While the championship makes progress into the first ever season, there’s been plenty to shout about off the track too, as the ten Formula E teams have today announced the formation of the Formula E Teams’ Association.
FETA will provide the forum for the teams to work with and alongside Formula E Holdings and the FIA on a range of potential issues that could impact the teams.
In the statement released today, the association’s goals are outlined as: “to ensure the championship remains competitive and compelling entertainment whilst maintaining cost control and the commercial sustainability of the series. The association also aims to suggest a development roadmap for the coming seasons which will drive technical innovation and attract the participation of the major car manufacturers, whilst at all times will seek to maintain, engage and increase the championship’s fan base.”
The association will be headed by Virgin Racing’s Alex Tai and both Jean-Paul Driot of e.dams-Renault and Thomas Biermaier of Audi Sport ABT have been elected the Vice Chairmen. Finally, Mahindra Racing’s Dilbagh Gill will head up the Technical Working Group.
“I am delighted that we have set up the Teams’ Association as it is creates a vital forum for stakeholder discussions,” said Tai. “It is in everybody’s interest that Formula E is a success, and the teams want to play their part to ensure this. The teams are under no illusion that here will be issues that need to be addressed, but now we will be able to work through these challenges together, and with one voice, for the benefit of the championship.”
To aid the team through its early stages, Oliver Weingarten, formerly of FOTA and the Premier League, has been appointed the Interim General Secretary to provide the needed support to the team.
Alberto Longo, Managing Director and Deputy CEO of Formula E Holdings Limited believes the news is only good news for the championship.
“The birth of the Formula E Teams’ Association is positive news for the development of Formula E. We have always worked closely with the ten teams, who share our goals to make the championship attractive and continuously grow, while maintaining its characteristic of development for technological solutions. The presence of the association will help the teams to cooperate with all the stakeholders on cost control; a crucial element for the sustainability of the sport.”
