The world of zero-emission racing is set to see a new addition in 2024 with the launch of the ACE Championship. This exciting new electric single-seater competition is designed to provide opportunities for up-and-coming talent to break into the world of motorsports. Positioned as a feeder series to the ABB Formula E World Championship, the ACE Championship will feature two distinct levels: a top-level championship and an entry-level challenger series.
The ACE Championship will run in a regional format, with a focus on areas that are currently underrepresented by existing categories. Teams will each run two cars and will have the unique ability to run the same cars, with different drivers, in both the championship and challenger series.
The electric single-seater car that will be used in the competition will be an “evolved vehicle similar in performance to the Gen2 Formula E car.” It remains to be seen if the series will be open to manufacturers to supply their own powertrains or if it will be a one-make category.
See also: Jean-Eric Vergne Claims Victory in Historic ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Race in India
Aside from offering a cost-effective entry into racing for young drivers, the ACE Championship will also serve as a platform to develop sustainable and renewable technology. The series will also aim to deliver “thrilling racing” with a “short format” that promises to be daring, different, and digital.
Dilbagh Gill, former boss of the Mahindra Racing Formula E team, will lead the ACE Championship, which is backed by the ACE Group. Nick Heidfeld, a former Formula 1 racer, will serve as a development driver and advisor.
Formula E founder, Alejandro Agag, praised the ACE Championship as an “important initiative” that will provide young drivers with an opportunity to enter motorsports via the “electric avenue.” Gill stated that the category is all about innovation and opportunity, offering representation to drivers and engineers around the world who have not had the chance to level up until now.
