Nick Heidfeld is back – and is now presenting the racing car for the electric championship called ‘FG Series’, which he founded together with his former Formula E Mahindra team boss Dilbagh Gill. This has never been seen before in motorsport: the vehicle, called ‘FG-Twin’, is intended to compete in two performance configurations.
The debut of the new racing series is scheduled to take place in 2025 as part of the supporting program of other championships. In the past, Heidfeld and Gill have been spotted in the Formula E paddock and at the DTM, among others, to have a look around. As early as February 2023, the ambitious duo presented a first vehicle concept at the Formula E race in Hyderabad, India, for the series, which at the time was still called ‘ACE Chapionship’ and has since been renamed.
FG Series: One racing car for two classes
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 are planned for the two classes FG1 (young drivers) and FG2 (more experienced, professional racing drivers). The hardware, i.e. parts of the bodywork, should also be adaptable using a quick-change system in order to generate more or less downforce and to allow different freedoms in the setting. QEV Technologies, a company known from Formula E and WRX, is supporting the project as a technical partner.
The idea behind this change concept is the happy hour principle: one racing car for two different classes, practically Formula 1 and Formula 2 in one. This is intended to save costs for the teams and drivers, show pilots an opportunity for advancement in electric racing and at the same time have less impact on the environment. Former Formula 1 and Formula E driver Heidfeld and co-founder Gill are hoping for a starting field of ten teams and 20 pilots in each of the two classes. Nothing is publicly known about the exact race format.
Hollywood designer Daniel Simon on board
The vehicle design was created by the German Daniel Simon, who is best known for his designs in Hollywood films such as Tron Legacy, Oblivion and Top Gun Maverick, and who designed the vehicle paintwork for the former Formula 1 team HRT in 2011. The car is essentially reminiscent of a mix of Formula 2 and Formula E, but with a special twist: On the rear fin behind the airbox, spectators will be shown live information about battery levels or the respective placing during the races.
“Today is a big day for FG-Series“This is the first time we have unveiled the outstanding design of the FG twin,” says 183-time Formula 1 starter Heidfeld. “The car is our centrepiece for showcasing the FG Series and its groundbreaking solutions. Defining the styling targets was a collaborative team effort, but exceeding them while meeting the latest safety requirements and technical specifications was only possible thanks to the exceptional skills of Daniel Simon.”
The 47-year-old series co-founder and Chief Sporting Officer of the FG Series continued: “Our goal with the FG Series is to offer talent from all over the world the opportunity to pursue their motorsport ambitions and we hope that this is just the first of many dreams that will come true.”
Further details on the FG Series will be announced in the coming months. The name of the racing series is intended to embody the five core principles of the new championship: Green, Groundbreaking, Good, Growth, Global.