16 Feb 2025
Aspire Academy recently hosted an event to showcase a new global electric motor racing series. The event featured demonstrations of the unique new car, highlighting its cutting-edge technology and design. This revolutionary electric race car, the first to offer two power options, is designed to bridge the gap between karting and top-tier electric motorsport competitions like Formula E. The event was further highlighted by a visit from former Formula 1 driver and FG Series co-founder Nick Heidfeld, who played a significant role in the development and promotion of the series.
The historic occasion saw Aspire Academy management, including Chief Corporate Services Officer Ali Sultan Fakhroo and Markus Egger, Director of Sports, get a close-up look at the race car. They were also treated to a taste of what the vehicle is capable of with a quick demonstration by Heidfeld, who impressed the crowd with the car's speed and handling. FG Series' decision to have its headquarters in Qatar highlights the country's commitment to developing future motorsport talent.
Heidfeld, who raced in Formula E following his 11-year career, expressed his delight at returning to Aspire Academy: "It's particularly meaningful to be back at Aspire Academy, which I first visited nearly two decades ago and spent time here with some of the sports psychologists. This partnership represents our shared vision of nurturing young talent."
Paul Woolnough, Head of Global Development at FG Series, explained more about the idea behind the new series: "Unlike Formula E, which represents the pinnacle of electric motorsport, FG Series is designed to develop drivers from a young age. We're creating a crucial stepping stone in the electrified racing ecosystem, similar to how Formula 4, Formula 3, and Formula 2 serve traditional motorsport. One of the other main reasons we're here is we're developing athletes from a young age and giving them opportunities that don't necessarily exist in the normal motorsports world. Most importantly, it's not just drivers that we are developing; we will also develop people in other roles away from the track to be champions, not just on the field but in life. And that's exactly what Aspire does as well."
The event also highlighted FG Series' commitment to diversity in motorsport, with Rally Driver and FG Series Partner Nada Zeidane underlining Qatar's role in supporting female participation in racing: "Qatar has always been a pioneer in supporting women in sports. Through this partnership, we aim to create opportunities for the first generation of female racers in this innovative category."
Khalid Al Hammar, Director of Human Resources at Aspire Academy, welcomed the collaboration: "We are proud to host the FG Series at Aspire Academy. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to embrace diverse sports and support innovative Qatari projects that contribute to the nation's sporting legacy."
This preview event precedes FG Series' grand VIP celebration, scheduled for February 16th at Place Vendôme. Key stakeholders will gather to mark this significant partnership between Qatar and the future of motorsport development.
The collaboration between FG Series and Aspire Academy represents a significant step forward in Qatar's vision to become a global hub for sports innovation and youth development, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of electric motorsport.