Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag has revealed efforts to attract Fernando Alonso to the grid for Season 6, which begins in 2019.
The Spaniard will call time on his F1 career at the end of the season and is widely expected to move to IndyCar, as he tries to add the Indianapolis 500 to complete motorsport’s ‘Triple Crown’.
At the same time, however, several other categories are trying to appeal themselves to the 36-year-old with NASCAR and now the all-electric Formula E making their approaches public.
“I’ve been speaking with Fernando,” Agag told the South China Morning Post. “Actually, I was with him in Monza, I think he’s going to America this season, but definitely for the season after we are going after him.”
After so many years in F1, some would wonder if the series would hold much interest for Alonso, but Agag doesn’t have that concern.
“I speak with Fernando a lot, he likes Formula E a lot,” he claimed. “He’s very car-focused, Fernando. He’s very curious about the new car that we are starting in Season 5.
“He wants to know more about that car and he thinks it looks very cool. Fernando is all about the car.”
Season 6 in 2019 is likely to be even bigger for Formula E as Mercedes and Porsche join the likes of Audi, BMW and Nissan on the grid and next season, starting later this year, will mark the first in which one car will complete a full race distance.
“The championship is great, the technology is making huge steps, we’ve done all the things in the right order,” added Agag. “I think as Formula E grows, everyone is paying more attention.
“Everyone thought this was going to be a short-term venture, now it’s really consolidated as a worldwide championship with all these big brands and car manufacturers.”
Some strong drivers are also involved including current champion Jean-Eric Vergne, Sebastien Buemi and Felipe Massa to join with Venturi.
“For him to drive in Formula E, it’s great for the championship. We have a great line-up of drivers, second only to F1. Apart from that, we are probably the best in the world.
“More drivers are doing fully Formula E, because of the growth – there are bigger budgets to pay the salaries so the drivers are exclusive. Formula E is becoming the priority.”