The competition joins Pure ETCR in the broadcaster’s electric racing roster.

FIA Discovery Electric GT 1

Discovery has agreed a ‘long-term’ partnership with the FIA to promote the upcoming FIA Electric GT Championship.

Due to launch in 2023, the electric racing series plans to showcase high performance cars sprint racing on well-known tracks around the world - a minimum of six events across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

It will have a net zero carbon footprint, and feature technical regulations relevant to consumer-facing electric mobility - such as super-fast recharging pit stops to give a glimpse of the future of electric infrastructure. It expects to expand to the US for the second season.

Discovery’s consumer platforms, broadast channels, and media brands will raise awareness of the championship, and it will manage and optimise international multi-media distribution. In addition, subsidiary Eurosport Events won a tender to become the worldwide promoter, similarly as it already does for fellow electric racing series Pure ETCR - which is set to become the FIA eTouring Car World Cup.

FIA president, Jean Todt, said: “Today’s FIA Electric GT Championship announcement is an important milestone for the FIA. This concept is groundbreaking, sustainable, innovative and embodies our race-to-road approach in terms of technology transfer, making it relevant to manufacturers and road users.”

Andrew Georgiou, Eurosport and global sports rights and sports marketing solutions president, added: “The FIA Electric GT Championship brings a completely different format and technical approach to electric racing, providing a complementary series that contributes to an enhanced overall offer for fans and manufacturers. It is a perfect fit for Discovery given our long-standing belief in electric racing.

“Our commitment to supporting the development of sustainable racing from an early stage spans being a shareholder in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since 2014 and, through Eurosport Events, becoming global promoter for the world’s first all-electric multi-brand touring car championship, the FIA eTouring Car World Cup.”

There is also expected to be an esports element to the competition, although this is to be confirmed at a later date.