From the 2025 season, the DTM is set to gain a new supporting racing series – a fully electric one at that. On the sidelines of the Norisring weekend, the ADAC announced a cooperation with the so-called FG Series, a formula series created by Nick Heidfeld and Dilbagh Gill. Next year, electric formula cars with up to 350 kW (475 hp) of power, including an innovative concept, will be competing for the first time as part of the combustion engine DTM.
“Motorsport is the right field to show innovations,” said ADAC motorsport director Thomas Voss during a well-attended press conference at the Norisring. “For example, I have not yet seen a formula car with possible all-wheel drive. But that does not mean that we have to stop the DTM or formula racing with combustion engines.”
Combustion engine meets electric on the DTM platform
Instead, the ADAC is relying on a mixed concept on the DTM platform, which was already shown at the Nuremberg street circuit at the weekend: The supporting program included the all-electric NXT Gen Cup, in which identical electric Minis met in the best one-make cup style. It is no secret that such concepts are welcomed by politicians and provide a suitable answer to automobile and racing critics.
The racing series, launched by Heidfeld and his former Formula E team boss Gill, is attracting a lot of interest in the paddock. A technical partner has already been found in DTM sponsor Schaeffler, and other well-known suppliers are to follow, as we hear from various sources. The first races are planned for the summer of 2025. According to Gill, it will start in Europe, with events planned in Asia and America in the following years.
Formula racing series to return to DTM supporting programme
The support series deal with the DTM is in place, and there are also talks with Formula E and other top series. The FG Series would bring a sorely missed formula category back to the DTM platform after the highly successful F3 Euro Series/EM was scrapped and Germany is currently completely without single-seater sport for cost reasons following the end of the ADAC Formula 4.
For long-time Formula 1 driver Heidfeld, who was once sponsored by the ADAC Nordrhein, it’s primarily about youth sport. “When I see the crazy costs in motorsport today, that’s extra motivation for me,” said the 47-year-old about his concept, which is primarily intended to enable inexpensive formula racing for young drivers.
What exactly is behind the new FG Series and its ‘modular’ racing car is explained in detail in this article:
ADAC Motorsport Director Voss described the partnership with the FG Series as a “win-win situation”, while Heidfeld saw the DTM as the perfect partner in Germany. Test drives with a prototype are underway, and the first car is due to hit the road later this year. Heidfeld: “There is strong interest from teams and we want to give everyone the same opportunities so that the costs do not get out of hand.”
That’s what Nick Heidfeld’s FG Series is all about
The FG Twin racing car is a purely electric formula vehicle that is designed to produce up to 350 kW (475 hp). The current Gen3 cars in Formula E produce comparable power. Different power levels with 350 kW or less power via software adjustment are planned for the two classes FG1 (young drivers) and FG2 (more experienced, professional racing drivers). The switch between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive is part of this.
The hardware, i.e. parts of the bodywork at the front and rear, should also be adaptable using a quick-change system in order to generate more or less downforce and to allow different freedoms in the tuning. QEV Technologies, a company known from Formula E and WRX, is supporting the project as a technical partner.
“There are 33 single-seater series worldwide between karting and professional motorsport, but not a single electric one,” said Heidfeld at the Norisring. “We want to close this gap.” Founding partner Gill added: “Motorsport is growing all over the world and we want to make it accessible to more people.”