As the countdown to the world’s first fully-electric racing series draws ever closer, the National Geographic channel is to air an exclusive behind the scenes documentary revealing the trials and tribulations of the new FIA Formula E Championship.

Almost 12 months in the making, the 45-minute piece portrays the moment the championship is officially announced by the FIA through to the anxious delivery of the first cars to pushing them, and their highly sophisticated batteries, to their limits during testing.

A new championship with a new all-electric race car proves a steep learning curve for the 10 teams and 20 drivers taking part in the 10 city-centre races, beginning in Beijing on September 13 2014.

Watch how the teams and drivers battle to get to grips with this new technology in a very short space of time, while the manufacturers work frantically to ensure all 40 cars and spare parts are delivered on time.

Formula E, an FIA motorsport championship led by sporting entrepreneur Alejandro Agag, is no small undertaking which aims to kick-start a new era of motorsport for the younger generation, whilst trying to persuade car owners to go electric.

Its goals have attracted no shortage of backers, from four-time Formula One World Champion Alain Prost, to pioneer businessman and environmentalist Sir Richard Branson, not to mention a host of former F1 drivers including the return of a ‘Prost vs Senna’ battle with Bruno Senna, nephew of the great Ayrton, and Nicolas Prost, son of Alain. Motorsport heavyweights Renault, McLaren, Michelin, and Williams have also put their reputations on the line as the race to the future goes electric.

The documentary premieres on National Geographic on September 9 2014, 5pm (BST) with repeats on September 12 at 8am (BST) and September 13 at 9am (BST)

Photo courtesy of Formula E

This article is a repost, credit: Formula E. Video courtesy of Formula E.

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