The all-electric Formula E series has been granted World Championship status by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), bringing it in line with Formula 1, WEC, WRC and WRX.
The change won’t take effect until Season 7 in 2020/21, and will see the series officially known as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The move was voted on during a World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting and this week was signed off by FIA president Jean Todt and Formula E founder and chairman Alejandro Agag.
“The creation and development of Formula E has been a great adventure,” said Todt. “I am proud that today we confirm its FIA world championship status.
“Since we started this journey, Formula E has undoubtedly gone from strength to strength.
“Within a short timeframe, the series has proven itself relevant for the automotive industry with two more major car manufacturers having joined the championship at the start of the current season, bringing the total number to 10.
“The commitment and professionalism of those manufacturers and their respective teams is mirrored in the quality of the driver roster, which has improved with every season.
“Since its first race in Beijing in 2014 and with every E-Prix thereafter, Formula E has proven that the concept of cutting-edge electric racing works.
“I wholeheartedly welcome Formula E as the latest FIA world championship.”
Agag added: “It was always our ambition to one day become an FIA world championship. Everything we have done and delivered to this point has been working towards this particular moment in time.
“Achieving the feat and being granted with FIA world championship status adds more credibility to what is already a fully-fledged formula of racing and a spectacular sporting product.
“This agreement and announcement truly puts Formula E in the top tier of international single-seater racing. It has been a tremendous effort from many people involved and none of it would have been possible without the support of FIA President Jean Todt and the federation, as well as the dedication and commitment shown by our teams and partners.
“Now we can say we have done it. But it is only the beginning of a new chapter under the banner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.”
The series has fulfilled the requirements of having four manufacturer teams with races across three continents since its second season, but the move to World Championship status was delayed by other matters which have been kept private, one of which is believed to relate to entrance fees
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