Virgin Ninth Formula E Team
Virgin
announced December 5 it will be entering a team in the new
fully-electric FIA Formula E Championship after signing an agreement
with series promoters Formula E Holdings.
Based in the UK, the Virgin Racing Formula E Team will be headed by
Team Principal Alex Tai and has the backing of Virgin founder Sir
Richard Branson. Formula E said both have been involved in a number of
pioneering technology projects in aviation, space and more recently
racing.
“The launch of the FIA Formula E Championship is exciting news for
racing fans but also for those that believe in developing the great
electric cars of the future,” said Sir Richard Branson. “The need to
create fast, dependable and durable race cars will help to accelerate
the sector and showcase electric cars to a large global audience. With
races around many famous city centers, I am expecting a lot of
spectators, plenty of fun and some sparks flying as the competition hots
up.”
Formula E explained Virgin Racing will now be put forward to the FIA
for final approval as the ninth of ten teams to enter the new zero
emission championship, racing in 10 city-centers around the world.
Virgin joins IndyCar outfits Andretti Autosport and Dragon Racing,
Asia’s China Racing, Super Aguri and Mahindra Racing, and European
squads Drayson Racing, e.dams and Audi Sport ABT.
“I’m absolutely sold on the concept of Formula E and believe that it
is a great fit for the Virgin brand,” said Team Principal Alex Tai. “The
accessible nature of the series with its races being right in the heart
of our great cities, should create a wonderful atmosphere. The drive to
develop new technology appeals to Virgin, which has always been a
pioneering organization. I’ve been fortunate to have been involved in a
number of such activities over years, from the Virgin Atlantic
GlobalFlyer to Virgin Galactic activities that push technological and
human boundaries and capture people’s imagination. We have hugely
exciting plans and over the next nine months will be revealing new parts
to our story on a regular basis, so I’d ask fans and the commercial
world alike to watch this space.”
Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin is a leading
international investment group which has grown successful businesses in
sectors ranging from mobile telephony, travel, financial services,
leisure, music, holidays and health and wellness.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Sir Richard Branson and the
Virgin Racing Team to Formula E and for them to have chosen the FIA’s
new global electric race series to make their return to top-flight motor
sport,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO Formula E Holdings. “Having a global
brand like Virgin, renowned for their technological innovation and
sporting passion, as one of our ten teams is a fantastic addition to the
championship and shows their commitment to sustainable mobility.”
This announcement brings to nine the number of teams involved in the
championship; Formula E has the goal of presenting ten teams for the
inaugural 2014/2015 Formula E season.