IndyCar star Marco Andretti believes the all-new electric FIA Formula E single seater series will set a new standard in motorsport.
The son of former CART champion Michael Andretti is one of eight high profile international drivers who are expected to compete in the revolutionary new championship which begins in September.
Andretti confirmed his intentions this week following the first public demonstration run of the new Formula E Spark-Renault SRT_01E car at Las Vegas.
His current Indycar team Andretti Autosports, run by his father, are one of 10 teams to agree to field a squad in the new series.
The 26-year-old two-time Indycar race winner admitted he is eager to compete and believes the launch of the new all electric racing series will be an important moment in global motorsport.
“This revolutionary racing series, paired with some of the world’s best drivers, competing in top cities, will set a new standard for motorsport”, said Andretti.
“The advanced technology is exciting. I’m not entirely sure what to expect but, for me, that is the most interesting part of this experience – the unknown factor.
“I’m looking forward to the growth and development of Formula E and am happy to be named as part of the Drivers’ Club. I’m really looking forward to getting into the cockpit of one of these cars.”
Former F1 drivers Sebastien Buemi, Takuma Sato, Lucas Di Grassi, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Karun Chandhok have joined Andretti on a list of prospective drivers for the championship’s debut season.
DTM star Adrien Tambay, son of 1970’s and 80’s F1 driver Patrick Tambay, and China’s single seater ace Ma Qing Ha complete the list of eight drivers.
Former Toro Rosso racer Buemi is particularly keen to secure a seat in what he believes will be a strong international formula.
“Motorsport should be seen to be the leader in developing and pushing new sustainable technologies so it will be great to see how this will influence not only motorsport but future road cars and the environment,” said Buemi.
“The calendar is very strong and brings the racing to the fans, and the new Formula E car looks like it will be a lot of fun to drive.”
The Formula E car has been designed and built by French-based Spark Racing Technology together with a consortium of organisations including Dallara (chassis), Williams (battery design), McLaren (powertrain & electronics), Renault (overall system integration) and Michelin (tyres).
The championship will be contested over 10 street races around the world beginning at Beijing on September 13.
