Virgin Racing has become the ninth team to confirm its entry in the debut season of the new electric racing series, Formula E.
The team, backed by the Virgin brand led by Sir Richard Branson, will contest the 2014/15 season which begins in Beijing, China and ends in London, England.
It’s the second British team to join the grid alongside Drayson Racing as well as Andretti Autosport, Dragon Racing, China Racing, E-Dams, Super Aguri, Audi Sport ABT and Mahindra Racing.
Speaking at the launch, Branson said: “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.
“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 centres, I am expecting a lot of spectators, plenty of fun and some sparks flying as the competition hots up.”
Team principal Alex Tai added: “I’m absolutely sold on the concept of Formula E and believe that it is a great fit for the Virgin brand. 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 organisation. 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.'”
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