Electric single-seater championship Formula E has unveiled the NXT Gen Cup, a new support series to help develop the next generation of young drivers in key motorsport markets.
Confirmed:
- NXT Gen Cup is world’s first fully-electric junior touring car series with both male and female drivers
- Series to feature at all four European race events of season ten of Formula E, including Misano, Monaco, Berlin and London
- Will include two 20-minute practice sessions (excluding in Monaco), a 20-minute qualifying session and a 20-minute race
- 20 drivers aged 15 to 25 will participate
- Single-make series to run all-electric car developed and built by Lestrup Racing Team, the LRT NXT1, based on an electric Mini Cooper SE road car
Context:
In addition to giving young male and female talent the opportunity to compete on the same circuits as Formula E drivers, the NXT Gen Cup supports Formula E’s mission of showcasing new formats of sustainable electric racing. For fans, it gives them additional on-track action as part of the raceday spectacle.
Comment:
“For NXT Gen Cup to go from an idea on paper less than two years ago to racing together with the ABB FIA Formula E and DTM this year is mind-boggling and an inspiring proof on the hard work by everyone involved,” said Fredrik Lestrup, series founder of the NXT Gen Cup.
“We have together with Formula E and DTM created a spectacular calendar which will provide our junior drivers with a robust foundation to start their racing careers and show their talents to some of the best teams and partners in the world. I want to extend a huge thanks to everyone who has made this possible and we are thoroughly motivated to start our most exciting season so far.”
Coming next:
The inaugural NXT Gen Cup event will be in Misano, Italy, on 13th and 14th April, subject to final International Automobile Federation (FIA) approval. Driver lineups are due to start being announced from this week.