EU Working With F1 To Create Electric Car Racing Series

The European Commission "has asked Formula One’s governing body to set up a racing championship series for electric cars, as a way of increasing public awareness and excitement about new-technology vehicles," according to Blitz & Allen of the FINANCIAL TIMES. FIA President Jean Todt said that the governing body is "working with commissioners to create new electric car, go-kart and single-seater racing categories, raising the prospect of an F1-style electric car championship on Grand Prix circuits." Todt added that a "first season for electric car racing could come as early as 2013 and would be as global as the FIA could make it." EU Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani said that he "hoped the event would use F1's vast media muscle to stir consumers' interest in electric vehicles" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 4/4). MARKETING magazine's Alex Brownsell notes it is "hoped that the high-profile nature of F1 will help generate awareness of the growth of electric and hybrid motoring, with brands such as BMW, Renault and Vauxhall each plotting launches" (MARKETINGMAGAZINE.co.uk, 4/4).