The Formula E racing series can help young people reconnect with motor racing. Speaking at a technology fair in Barcelona, Alejandro Agag, head of the electric racing car series said he believes the new electric racing car series will speak to the Facebook generation in a way that petrol-burning racing cars no longer can. He said that he grew up dreaming of buying a Ferrari, but kids today dream of the latest iPad.

With interactive features, such as online voting for which driver will be given a bonus push-to-pass power boost, Agag thinks his racing series will be much more relevant to young people. The shorter, urban setting of the races will also be a draw, he believes.

Speaking at the same event, one of the drivers in next year’s series, ex-F1 driver Lucas di Grassi, enthused about the new car. He said that the electric powertrain gave a far more immediate response than any petrol engine. Di Grassi said that the difference between a Formula E car and a petrol-powered racing car was like the difference between a normally aspirated petrol car and an old-fashioned lag-prone turbo engine.