Formula E Signs New Watch Sponsor, Bangkok Joins Candidacy to Host Race

Formula E have announced luxury watch maker TAG Heuer has become the Official Timekeeper, Official Watch and Chronograph and Founding Partner of the FIA series.

The agreement was signed at TAG Heuer’s headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland by Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer (on the right), and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings. 

“Teaming up with Formula E, the world’s top competition for electrically-powered racing cars represents the next logical step for TAG Heuer’s ongoing commitment to motorsports, as it draws on both our racing heritage and our commitment to sustainability,” said Jean-Christophe Babin.

“TAG Heuer has also been deeply involved in sustainable development for years, with for example solar roofsproviding electricity in our Swiss facilities. We have an ongoing partnership with Leonardo DiCaprio and Green Cross international’s ecological initiatives. In 2010, we organised with Tesla the very first ever world tour in a 100% electric GT car and in 2011, we signed on with the Electric Masters Kart in Paris Bercy. So Formula E is a natural fit.”

“Without doubt, TAG Heuer is the perfect partner to the FIA Formula E Championship and we are delighted to have a brand of their prestige, excellence and expertise on board for the inaugural season,” said Alejandro Agag.

“TAG Heuer’s time-honoured passion for motorsport dates backs more than 150 years and their quest to push technology to the highest level of performance epitomises the values of our Championship. As Founding Partner, they will bring us a global communication platform and the best of their services for teams, drivers, media and fans around the world.”

TAG Heuer Professional Timing, the timekeeping division of the renowned Swiss brand, will provide all live timings for the Championship’s inaugural season, which will take place on 10 street circuits worldwide including London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Beijing. TAG Heuer will also be the exclusive watch brand to appear on track signage at all cities around the world.

Stephane Linder, new TAG Heuer CEO as of June 1, added: “TAG Heuer draws inspiration from the technology, design and artistry of professional motor racing to produce the world’s most precise, reliable and thrilling timepieces. Formula E promotes interest and investment in electric vehicles and sustainable motoring. We look forward to participating in this noble and exciting endeavour, as we share its values: innovation, performance and sustainable development. And, at the core, a deep and abiding love for the world’s fastest sport.”

Bangkok Joins Candidacy to Host Race

Thailand’s capital Bangkok today joined the list of candidate cities bidding to host the new FIA Formula E Championship.

Earlier this year, FEH presented the FIA with a preliminary list of eight cities – London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro – all selected to host races for the inaugural season. A total of 10 races are scheduled for 2014 with Bangkok adding its name to the list of candidate cities for the remaining two slots. 

Since launching in August 2012, FEH has received formal letters of interest from 23 cities across five continents with the final calendar being presented to the FIA for its approval at the September 2013 World Motor Sport Council.

“We are delighted to be here in Bangkok today and are very thankful to the Thai authorities for their enthusiastic welcome,” said Alejandro Agag. “We have been very impressed with Thailand’s commitment to cleaner energy and sustainable motoring, as well as their rising motorsport programme, and a Formula E race through this amazing city would provide a great spectacle together with a considerable boost to tourism.”