Story highlights Paris joins Formula E calendar

The ePrix races in view of Eiffel Tower

A sell-out 20,000 crowd expected

"Shows France is strong", says driver

Paris, France (CNN) Formula E can expect a certain je ne sais quoi as the championship prepares to electrify the original City of Light, Saturday.

The sell-out Paris ePrix is being held for the very first time on 23 April and the French capital becomes the 12th global city to join the series alongside heavyweights Beijing, Berlin, Moscow and London.

There may not have been a Formula One race in France since 2008 but the first-ever motor race was held in France in the 1890s and the global governing body, the FIA, has its headquarters in Paris, so it seems fitting that the sport's newest racing series is finally returning to its roots.

"We've got the DNA of motorsport in France," said French driver Jean-Eric Vergne, who races for the DS Virgin Racing team. "This sends a signal that France is here."

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