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Formula E unveils its electrifying new partnership with technology giants ABB
By Michelle Johnson | 9 January 2018 | Sport
As Formula E announces new ABB partnership – and car – founder Alejandro Agag tells us about being a driving force in motorsports
* ABB Formula E unveils their new electric motor car for 2018
The world of motorsports is rarely thought of as fine art, but for Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag, the ground-breaking electric racing championship is just that. And so it was appropriate that the championship chose London's Saatchi Gallery as the venue to host their two major technological announcements on 9 January.
Agag took to the stage to announce the championship's new title partnership with Swedish-Swiss technology giants ABB before unveiling their boundary-pushing new ABB FIA Formula E car – with the help of robot 'DAVE'. Agag was joined by CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer, who said the company's expertise in robotics, power, electrical equipment and automation technology made them a natural and exciting fit for the innovative sport.
"Our two companies are synonymous with pushing the boundaries of what is possible together," Agag said. "Together, as partners, we will showcase break-through technology on a global scale to fans and consumers who follow the ABB Formula E Championship."
Speisshofer agreed, adding that the partnership was focused on pioneering electric motors. "Today, two pioneers are uniting. ABB and Formula E are a natural fit at the forefront of the latest electrification and digital technologies… Together we will write the future – one electrifying race at a time." >>
Related: Watch this Formula E car race a cheetah in a sprint across the Savannah
* Formula E Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag and ABB CEO Ulrich Speisshofer present the new ePrix car with the help of DAVE the robot
Continuing their high voltage presentation, Agag unveiled the car that will be used by champion drivers including Lucas di Grassi for season five of the global electric street race in 2018-2019 – one that has already doubled the power of previous models.
"It's probably the biggest announcement we've ever made," Agag exclusively told Tempus at the event. "With a title partner like ABB – we're changing our name to the ABB Formula E Championship – it’s a transformation for us. It's not only a sponsorship deal, but a partnership with a huge technology angle. We want to develop together new technologies, better technologies for electric mobility, and ABB is the perfect partner for that. I'm so excited about this."
He continued: "It's a whole new chapter for Formula E, and I'm sure many other championships would like to be in this position. We're showing the new car for season five, with a new battery which can drive twice the distance – it's a huge achievement from a technology point of view."
Launching with Hong Kong on 2-3 December, the fourth season of Formula E will continue on 13 January with the Marrakesh ePrix in Morocco, where Lucas Di Grassi will return to defend his 2016-2017 championship title.