Leonardo DiCaprio, the doyen of western cinema has co-founded a motosport team with Monaco-based Venturi Automobiles. Celebrities enter into business deals all the time, so what is so special about this team?

Leonardo DiCaprio’s motosport team will be a part of the new Formula E championship, which is an exclusive event for electric cars. This is one of the world’s first major fully-electric racing series. There is good news for Malaysians too, because Kuala Lumpur has been chosen to host one of the 10 races. The race is likely be held at the Sepang International Circuit on the outskirts of the city.

SEE ALSO: Electric Cars in Malaysia: An Overview 

Formula E cars run on clean technology

For motosport fans, part of the thrill of attending a Formula 1 race comes from hearing the roar of the engines of the super fast cars as they zip past. However, Electric cars are much quieter, so expect a different experience. That being said, the sound produced from the cars is still louder than the average road car. You can here a sound clip at the end of the post.  Additionally, Motosport is notorious for the low fuel efficiency of its vehicles. The average F1 car will travel only 0.4 mt for every liter of petrol. Fortunately, the electric cars are very eco-friendly.

Each team at the Formula E championship can field two drivers. Each race is expected to last an hour each and every driver will have to make 2 pit stops in every race. Instead of changing the batteries on the cars during the pit stops, the drivers will switch to new cars. Unlike Formula 1, each team will be allowed to develop its own drive train, giving a fillip to innovation.

Motosport and celebrity investors

Leonardo DiCaprio is not the only high profile individual who has invested in the new championship. Richard Branson’s Virgin Racing has also signed up for the series. Richard Branson already has an F1 team. With this, Leonardo DiCaprio joins a growing list of movie stars and other celebrities to back a racing team. Before him, David Letterman and Paul Newman made the plunge. Some celebrities, like Steve McQueen and Patrick Dempsey have even gotten behind the wheels.

Leonardo’s entry into the championship as a team owner will certainly add bling to the race. He is also  known for his personal commitment to clean technology and protection of the environment. He owns several eco-friendly vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Tesla Roadster and Fisker Karma. He has also contributed financially to many environmental initiatives.

Other teams that are going to be competing

Ten teams are going to take part in the championship and Leonardo DiCaprio’s team was the final team to join the list. Some of the other teams that have signed up for the race are Audi Sport, Mahindra Racing, Andretti Autosport and Drayson Racing. The race is going to be administered by the FIA (Fédération International de l’Automobile ) which also governs the World Rally championship and Formula 1, among other high profile races.

Introduction to Formula E

How the Forumla E came about.

Here is a sound preview of the electric racing car.

Do you plan to attend the Formula E championship? Post a thought in the comments below.

SEE ALSO:

• Electric Cars in Malaysia: An Overview 
• Hybrid Cars in Malaysia: An Overview
• 5 Great Sites for Finding Used Cars in Malaysia
• This Online Honda Video Will Trick You (and Impress You)

Source: Wired

Photo Credit: Formula E