Formula E, the FIA’s new single-seater competition for electric racing cars, has announced that its new headquarters and team facilities will be based at the Donington Park Racing Circuit. All 10 teams will develop and test their cars at the Leicestershire site in the run-up to the first race in Beijing on 13 September, after which nine more races will be staged in cities across the world, including Berlin, Rio De Janeiro, Los Angeles and London.

Construction work began earlier this month to provide ‘state of the art’ facilities for the teams, together with offices, stores and workshops for Formula E’s own staff. Located in Donington’s Western Paddock, the facilities will comply with the UK’s Low Carbon Economy and National Planning Policy Framework requirements. The £5.7 million cost of the development is being met by a £3.65 million loan from the Government’s Growing Places Fund and a £2.05 million investment from circuit owner Kevin Wheatcroft.

Christopher Tate, Donington Park’s managing director, said that the arrival of Formula E was a major coup for the 83-year-old circuit after a high-profile bid to secure the British F1 Grand Prix ended in failure in 2009. “It could have gone anywhere in the world,” he said. “Formula E and all its teams committing to this location is a critical leap forward for this wonderful race track and for our region.”

Mr Tate said that the teams are due to move onto the site in May, when testing will begin. “I expect all the team principals for the first run to be at the circuit, and that would include Leonardo DiCaprio.” The actor co-owns the Venturi GP team; other teams include Virgin Racing, as well as outfits from China, India and Japan. Chris Aylett, CEO of the Motorsport Industry Association, said: “This exciting new world series brings jobs and investment to the UK. Motorsport Valley is set to become the global centre for energy-efficient, low-carbon motor-sport technology. Being chosen to host Formula E is a huge endorsement of this future — the UK motor-sport supply chain will certainly benefit from this wise decision.”