Electric Rallycross Could Complement Formula E Series

As Formula E cements its position as one of the industry’s most important forms of motorsport, there’s a possibility it could be joined by a new electric rallycross series.

Autocar has learnt that talks are being held about creating an electric rallycross series that would act as a support series for Formula E and race on similar tracks in large metropolitan cities. At least two other electric rallycross championships are also in the works, including one from the organizers of the Red Bull Global Rallycross series.

Responding to the prospect of such a series complementing Formula E, Bugatti chief executive and leader of Volkswagen Group’s motorsport strategy, Wolfgang Durheimer, said “It is one possibility we are looking at. The idea of electric rallycross is perfect; the cars are spectacular and the races short, so the cars can be charged between them. It could be the perfect complement to Formula E.”

In early 2016, before VW quit the World Rally Championship, the automaker said it would be eager to jump behind an electric rallycross championship. In the 18 months since, VW has detailed its ambitious plans for a family of bespoke all-electric production cars, making such a championship even more logical for it.

At the time, VW’s head of technology Franck Welsch said “If the championship moved that way it would be perfect for us. We are already in discussions with organisers to that effect.”