Formula E cars arrive

First deliveries of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E electric race cars arrived in the UK this week, ahead of initial testing for the new zero emission race car championship, Formula E, in early July.

The FIA's new Formula E Championship will see 10 teams comprising two drivers race the 225km/h Spark-Renault cars on 10 different city race tracks, starting in Beijing on September 13, 2014.

The cars were delivered to Donington Park race track in the UK, where all pre-season testing will take place, and have been jointly developed by a consortium of motorsport companies including Renault, McLaren, Williams, Dallara and Michelin.

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said the first delivery of the new Spark-Renault race cars "marks a very significant milestone in the genesis of the FIA Formula E Championship".

"In September 2013 we launched this incredible fully-electric 150mph car and after more than 3000km of rigorous testing we're delighted to be now handing them over to our 10 teams."

Although the new championship won't run alongside F1, it has some high-profile names backing it including ex-F1 maestro Alain Prost, motor racing alumni Michael Andretti, and supporters including Sir Richard Branson and Leonardo diCaprio.

Only four drivers have been confirmed so far, including ex-F1 racer Jaime Alguersuari, who it should be noted scored more points in an F1 season for Toro Rosso (Daniel Ricciardo's former team) than any other Red Bull junior driver in recent years. Alguersuari will compete for the Virgin Racing team alongside Sam Bird.

Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt have been locked in for the Audi Sport Abt Formula E team, with other drivers to be announced in due course.

The series signed Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer as a global partner after raising 50 million Euros from investors and will be broadcast around the world, including Australia, on Fox Sports.

Formula E is running a reverse calendar, from December through July, so as not to clash with mainstream motor sport.

Nine out of 10 rounds have been confirmed, with a 10th and final round to be decided. Check out the Official Formula E website for more details.

2014/2015 Formula E Championship calendar
Beijing, China, September 13, 2014
Putrajaya, Malaysia, October 18, 2014
Punta del Este, Uruguay December 13, 2014
Buenos Aires, Argentina, January 10, 2015
Miami, USA, March 14, 2015
Los Angeles, USA, April 4, 2015
Monte Carlo, Monaco, May 9, 2015
Berlin, Germany, May 30, 2015
London, United Kingdom, June 27, 2015
Final round TBA