In pictures: Formula E electric racing cars speed into London

Eight electric Formula One-style racing cars drove over London Bridge on Monday for an electrifying photoshoot ahead of the inaugural Formula E championship, which starts in September. 

At 6am, in front of the Houses of Parliament and a crowd of early risers – including London’s mayor Boris Johnson – the Formula E drivers showed off the performance capabilities of their impressive machines.

With cars boasting top speeds of 150mph, the bridge gave only enough space for synchronised driving, with one driver doing a doughnut.

The new competition is backed by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and will comprise of 10 zero-emission races in cities across the world. The season will conclude in London’s Battersea Park next June.

Johnson, who watched on with other spectators, said, “Fast, fun and no doubt furious, the FIA Formula E Championship race in London is set to provide an awesome addition to the capital’s sporting calendar. 

“The atmosphere will quite literally be electric and Battersea, which is already booming with the buzz of regeneration, will be alive with the excitement that this new, world-class event will no doubt spark.” 

Earlier this year, Formula E received a €50m (£41m) investment from a partnership of technology and investment firms, with Richard Branson and Leonardo diCaprio entering teams for the forthcoming season.

All photos: Formula E

Further reading:

Formula E drives forward with major €50m investment

Formula One goes ‘green’ as first hybrid engine is tested in Australia

Formula E electric car racing gets new UK HQ

The rise of ethical funds investing in sport

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