15 mai 2013
Renault signs with Spark Racing Technology and Formula E Holding as Technical Partner in the FIA Formula E Championship
Renault SAS, leader of Electric Vehicle and expert in motorsport, has signed on as official Technical Partner of Spark Racing Technology to supply the Formula E cars to be entered in the FIA Formula E Championship. The agreement was signed by Patrice Ratti, Renault Sport Technologies Managing Director and as a Renault SAS representative, Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings and Frédéric Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technologies.
“Renault has demonstrated a unique commitment to zero-emission mobility, with a range of 4 cars available for sale. Renault in Europe, and the Renault-Nissan Alliance worldwide, have gained a position of EV sales leader. Formula E is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the excellence and the reliability of our EV solutions” said Philippe Klein, Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning, Product Planning & Programs of Renault Group.
“We believe that motorsport is an efficient manner to promote the efficiency of new technologies, and we’re eager to use that single-seater in FIA Formula E championship to show our technology is the best.”
Renault’s ongoing involvement in motor racing’s series provides it with a unique technological laboratory, giving it an edge not only in the world of production vehicles but also on the race track. Renault’s technological excellence extends not only in F1 but also in all Z.E. range.
“Renault and Formula E both share the same commitment to innovative technology and sustainable motoring and we’re delighted to welcome them to the Championship as a Founding Partner,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoter Formula E Holdings.
“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.”
Spark Racing Technology sided toward this technological expertise to optimize the electric and electronic layout. The 42 Formula E single-seaters built for the beginning of the first season will be named “Spark-Renault”.
“Spark Racing Technology is extremely proud to have a new major quality player in motorsport, Renault” said Frédéric Vasseur, CEO of Spark Racing Technology.
“Their record and involvement in high level motorsport speaks for the brand. In addition, Renault has always been at the forefront of innovation and having their expertise and know-how is invaluable at such a key moment in the creation of the FIA Formula E World Championship. This partnership with Renault is a new corner stone in a building harmoniously taking shape at all levels.”
Renault Sport Technologies is the only car manufacturer to design, develop and market a comprehensive range of sporting cars and vehicles made for motorsport within the same entity.
It was an evidence for Renault to ask to his subsidiary to work on this project and to put on evidence all the engineers’ expertise on motorsport vehicles.
“Renault’s expertise in electric powertrain design and integration acquired both in production E.V. and in Formula 1 makes Renault Sport a natural partner for Spark in this exciting Formula E project” said Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Technologies.
“Engineers from Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies will collaborate with Spark Racing Technology team to optimize the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain. Our experience will be particularly valuable to ensure the safety and reliability of the car”
For further information please contact :
Renault SAS
Jean-Jacques Delaruwiere (Press Manager) +33607734778
jean-jacques.delaruwiere@renault.com
Renault Sport Technologies
Marie-Hélène de Rabaudy (Press & External communication Manager) +33622571901
marie-helene.de-rabaudy@renault.com
For high-res image please visit our media website at http://media.renaultsport.com or http://media.renault.com
About Renault SAS
Renault has since 1995 been committed to a strong environmental policy that takes account of the environmental impact of all its activities at each phase in the vehicle life cycle. From 2007, the Renault eco² signature represented Renault’s commitment in this area in the eyes of customers and the general public. Through a number of innovations, including the electric vehicle and new internal-combustion technology, the emissions of Renault range vehicles in Europe should fall from 137g at the end of 2010 to less than 120g in 2013, and less than 100g / km in 2016 with electric vehicles.
About FIA Formula E Championship
Formula E is a new FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) championship featuring racing cars powered exclusively by electric energy. It represents a vision for the future of the motor industry over the coming decades. The races will be held in the heart of the world’s leading cities, around their main landmarks. Demonstrations of the first cars will commence in 2013, followed by the first official electric car race in 2014. The plan is for a grid of 10 teams and 20 drivers in 2014. The FIA has expressed its delight with the sport’s shared values of clean energy and sustainability. Formula E hopes to promote general awareness around sustainability. It also intends to serve as a framework for R&D around the electric vehicle and accelerate general interest in these cars for personal use.