Organizers of a “revolutionary series that will race cars powered only
by electricity have approached London Mayor Boris Johnson to
make the capital the venue for the first ‘green’ grand prix," according
to Kevin Eason of the LONDON TIMES. The series is sanctioned by the FIA
and organizers are calling the project “Formula E.” Spanish investor and
former EPL club Queens Park Rangers Chair Alejandro Agag is “behind the
series.” He has “already signed up Rome and Rio de Janeiro and is
negotiating with cities from Beijing to Los Angeles for races.” Africa
also is “on the list, with Marrakesh, in Morocco, and Cape Town both
showing interest.” But Agag wants London to be the "first host of
Formula E.” Agag said, “This is the future and proof that you can have
motor racing and still be environmentally aware.” He added, “We have
approached the authorities in London and they are very excited by the
idea. There is [a] long way to go, but we hope that they join our
schedule like so many cities that are signing with us. I would really
like to start the series in London. It would mean so much.” Eason noted
there is a “bonus for Boris -- no fee.” Unlike F1, which “charges up to
£30M ($48.4M) for the rights to stage a grand prix, Agag will provide the
race for free, with the city co-operating in traffic management and
set-up.” From a base in Central London, Agag is “directing operations
for an initial schedule of ten races in '14” (LONDON TIMES, 12/28).
