F1 champion Rosberg reveals FE stake, to give Gen2 car public debut

The former Williams and Mercedes F1 driver visited the 2017/18 FE season opener in Hong Kong last December, where he expressed his interest in joining the series in a non-driving capacity, and has since become a shareholder.

Rosberg will drive the Gen2 car during the May 19 Formula E round in Berlin, and will have a 10-minute demonstration slot prior to the action starting at the Tempelhof Airport-based ninth round of the season.

"I'm really excited to get behind the wheel of the Gen2 car," Rosberg said.

"It will be great to experience this high-performance e-mobility car and let's see if I still have it in me!

"It makes it even more special that I'm able to do this at the Berlin E-Prix, as I've always loved racing in my home country - Germany.

"Since my retirement, I've become very interested in the e-mobility movement and its potential to positively impact our society and our planet.

"I've therefore also long believed in the potential of Formula E and came on board as an investor some time ago."

FE CEO Alejandro Agag praised Rosberg's decision to invest in the championship and expressed his excitement at the upcoming running of the new car.

Seven of the nine season five FE manufacturers gave their new machines a first outing at the Monteblanco circuit in a group test last month - BMW and NIO were absent - but the running took place behind closed doors.

The new car, which has increased battery storage compared to its predecessor that means drivers will no longer have to swap cars mid-race, was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last month.

"It's a very special moment to see a new car running for the first time in public and it requires an equally special name to have that honour," said Agag.

"To see a name like Rosberg taking the wheel of the Gen2 car in front of the German fans in Berlin is a great moment for the series.

"He's such an incredible ambassador for world motorsport and a champion - so it's also another fantastic endorsement for the ABB FIA Formula E championship to have Nico as an investor and shareholder of Formula E."