Motorsport governing body the FIA has officially backed the Formula E Championship which it plans to launch in 2014. The year will be one of significance, as F1 will then be moving into a green era of new engines and Energy Recovery Systems (ERS).

In 2014, F1 will switch to 1.6-litre, V6 turbo engines which will be far more environmentally friendly and use electric motors when in the pit lane. Formula E will start in the same year, following on from several demonstration runs of the cars in 2013.

‘Formula E is a new FIA championship featuring Formula cars powered exclusively by electric energy,’ reads an official FIA statement. ‘It represents a vision for the future of the motor industry over the coming decades.’

The Paris-based federation has struck a deal to form Formula E Holdings Ltd (FEH), which will be made up of several groups to support the championship.

“I would like to thank all the parties involved,” says FIA President Jean Todt. “This new competition at the heart of major cities is certain to attract a new audience. We are pleased with this agreement with Formula E Holdings as they bring a very strong experience in motor sport. This spectacular series will offer both entertainment and a new opportunity to share the FIA values and objectives of clean energy, mobility and sustainability with a wider and younger audience as well.”

More information on the series can be found on the new Formula E Holdings website.