Formula E ties up with Renault and TAG Heuer

Formula E today announced significant partnerships with Renault and TAG Heuer, but perhaps more newsworthy are the first ever 3D images of the car, which make it look less like a science experiment and more like a race car.

The car, officially named as the Spark-Renault SRT_01E, is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in less than three seconds and will compete on 10 cities around the world, including London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Beijing.

TAG Heuer will be the exclusive watch brand to appear on track signage and provide all live timings for the Championship’s inaugural season.

“Teaming up with Formula E, the world’s top competition for electrically-powered racing cars represents the next logical step for TAG Heuer’s ongoing commitment to motorsports”, said Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer. “In 2010, we organised with Tesla the very first ever world tour in a 100% electric GT car and in 2011, we signed on with the Electric Masters Kart in Paris Bercy. So Formula E is a natural fit.”

The car is currently under construction by Spark Racing Technology with Renault Technical Partnership, headed up by Frédéric Vasseur, who will produce 42 cars for the first season. Leading Italian firm Dallara will produce the chassis, while Michelin will supply the tyres.

So what do you think? Formula 1 beater, or just another wannabe race series?

The main advantage of Formula E is being able to race where the noise (and pollution) of Formula 1 cars would prove more of a challenge. Even though streets still need to be closed and traffic diverted, the rest of city life could continue unabated.

Formula E series chief, Alejandro Agag, also confirmed Renault’s role as technical partner “Not only is Renault one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, with a very successful motorsport pedigree, it is also a pioneer for electric vehicles – being the first full-range car manufacturer to market zero-emission vehicles. To have a manufacturer of this calibre onboard is a great testament to the growing appeal of the FIA Formula E Championship.”