Leonardo DiCaprio backs Formula E team

To be based in Monaco, the Venturi Grand Prix Formula E Team has been co-founded by DiCaprio and Venturi boss Gildo Pallanca Pastor, and marks the formation of the tenth and final team to partake in the all-electric open-wheel series, which starts in September next year.

DiCaprio, an early adopter of several environmentally-aware automotive projects, has been seen in the past arriving at events in Toyota Prius models and was a brand ambassador for the Fisker Karma.

“The future of our planet depends on our ability to embrace fuel-efficient, clean-energy vehicles,” DiCaprio said.

“Venturi Grand Prix has shown tremendous foresight in their decision to create an environmentally friendly racing team, and I am happy to be a part of this effort.”

Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag welcomed Venturi’s entry into the world’s first fully-electric race series.

“It’s an honour and a pleasure to welcome the Venturi Grand Prix team as the tenth and final team of the FIA Formula E Championship. Gildo Pastor is a true pioneer in electric racing … his passion and vision pushes forward the technology barriers of what can be done with an electric car,” Agag said.

Venturi’s interest in performance electric cars led the company to set the world land speed record for an EV in 2010, with its Buckeye Bullit 2.5 EV hit 494km/h (pictured above).

Formula E will take place on courses running through major cities around the world, with Beijing, London and Los Angeles all confirmed as destinations for the one-hour races. Renault has signed on as the official manufacturer of the series' zero-emissions race cars, which will be capable of running at up to 135km/h for 25 minutes at a time, necessitating a vehicle-switch mid-race.

Venturi will compete against teams from e_DAMS, Andretti Autosport, Dragon Racing, Super Aguri, Virgin Racing, China Racing, Audi Sport, Drayson Racing and Mahindra Racing.