Mahindra enters inaugural Formula E Championship, had approached Karthikeyan

Indian automotive manufacturer Mahindra announced its entry in the inaugural, all-electric, FIA Formula E Championship to be held in 2014/15 today.

Mahindra currently manufactures the e2O electric car and their participation in the series had been rumored over the past four months.

“We strongly believe that Formula E can provide an excellent global showcase for our electric vehicle technology,” said Anand Mahindra (right in second picture with Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag), chairman and managing mirector of the Mahindra Group. “With advanced operations and expertise in electronics, IT, automotive technologies and manufacturing, we are already seeing the fusion of this technology into our electric vehicle operations. Racing will further accelerate that trend while Formula E is set to raise awareness globally about the benefits of electric vehicles.”

Mahindra Racing will become the eighth team to enter the Formula E line-up after Drayson Racing, China Racing, Andretti Autosport, Dragon Racing, e.dams, Super Aguri, Audi Sport Abt. The final name in the list of previously confirmed team will receive factory support from Audi.

“We are very proud to have a major global company like Mahindra join the FIA Formula E Championship," added Agag. "Adding a manufacturer from India to what is already a real global mix of teams is fantastic news for the series. Everything is coming together very well and we look forward to presenting all ten teams to the FIA World Motor Sport Council next month.”

It is not yet known who Mahindra Racing will charge with driving the car in the 10-round championship although former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok has been rumored to be one of the drivers in consideration.

Chandhok was not available to comment at the time of publishing but India's first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan spoke briefly with autoX to confirm that Mahindra Racing had shown interest in signing him as their race driver.

"They had approached me to drive earlier but I could not accept their offer," said Narain who has long been sponsored by Mahindra's rival TATA Motors. "But I wish Mahindra all the best and from what I have seen and heard about the championship, it is going to be very exciting."