Moscow to host electric Formula E race

Moscow has been announced as the latest city to host an electric grand prix, after the city was added to the Formula E calendar on Tuesday.

The Russian capital will host the race on June 6 on a 13-turn street circuit next to the Kremlin.

The event will be race nine of the new series, the penultimate race before the season finale in London on June 27.

The new series was contrived by FIA president, Jean Todt, and Spanish businessman, Alejandro Agag, in 2011.

Sir Richard Branson, four-time Formula One champion Alain Prost, and Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio are among the team owners.

The cars can reach speeds of 225 km/h (140 mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in three seconds but the drivers had to change vehicle halfway through the race due to lack of battery power.

It is supported by motorsport's governing body, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and the creators and team owners are aiming to make significant progress in the development of electric car technology.

The racing series has already attracted thousands of people to events in Beijing, the Malaysian city of Putrajaya, Uruguayan coast resort Punta del Este, and the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires.

The next race is scheduled for March 14 in Miami on, followed by Long Beach in California, Monaco, and Berlin.

Formula E chief executive Agag said: "Russian people have always welcomed with passion and enthusiasm international events and we are sure it will be the same with the Moscow ePrix. Russia's automotive market is steadily growing, as is its electric vehicle industry and I am confident that Formula E will help to promote the concept of sustainable mobility in this country."