F1 news - F1 to go electric? - 2011

The FIA is set to work together with the European Commission on creating a new racing series for electric cars to raise public awareness of new-technology vehicles.

FIA president Jean Todt has set up an electric-car commission to look into electric car, go-kart and single-seater categories.

With plans to make any electric series global, it raises the prospect of a series similar to F1 but using electric vehicles.

"We want as soon as possible to have new categories with new energy," said Todt. "As much as we can do it all over the world, we will do it."

Both Todt and the FIA have been keen to promote green activities through F1, with the re-introduction of KERS this season and plans to switch to a new greener engine in 2013 already in the pipeline.

The latter has been criticised by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, with Todt admitting that teams would need to be talked round to an extent when it comes to bringing in new technology.

Todt's comments come at the same time as Silverstone announces that it will hold an event for electric cars next month.

The Greenpower Corporate Challenge will see 15 schools from a national competition go up against 15 corporate entries in an event where they will design, build and then race an electric car over a four-hour period.

Previously held at Goodwood, the event will include teams from Bentley Motors and Jaguar Land Rover.