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Mitsubishi Confirms Interest in FIA's Electric Car Series

While Formula 1 figures are looking with distrust at the FIA's attempts to create a parallel, global racing series for electric cars, it seems that some car manufacturers are actually fancying the idea to be part of it.

As shown in one of our previous reports, FIA president Jean Todt has recently been asked by the European Commission to set up a brand new racing series dedicated exclusively to electric cars. The plan would be to debut the series in 2013 and run it on the same circuits Formula 1 is currently being held.

According to Japan Today, Mitsubishi Motors is the first company to express an outspoken interest in the idea of joining the new series, with president Osamu Masuko admitting it himself.

Our employees are saying that we should definitely do it,” said Masuko, according to the aforementioned source. “The development costs for electric vehicles seem much lower than for gasoline cars and it would also contribute to the technological development of cars that are already on the market.”

Moving to support an official programme in an electric motor racing series would definitely come as a surprise for Mitsubishi's motorsport fans, as the Japanese company's main legacy consists of their multiple winning seasons in FIA's rallying competitions (mainly the WRC and Rally Dakar).

I'm said to be unenthusiastic about motor sports but with electric vehicles, I want to promote them,” added Masuko, confirming his company's new startegy in motor racing for the future.
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