NXT Gen Cup: Formula E announces electric support series for European races in 2024

Following the end of the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy in summer 2020, Formula E will once again have a support series. As the electric series announced on Friday morning, the all-electric NXT Gen Cup will be part of the E-Prix programme of European races in 2024. In the world's first all-electric junior touring car series, male and female junior drivers will compete in standardised Mini Cooper SE cars.

Some motorsport fans may already be familiar with the NXT Gen Cup, as the Swedish series is not new. Last year, it competed at the Nürburgring as part of the DTM, among other events. The series pursues an "Arrive and Drive" concept to promote young motorsport talent.

The one-make cup will be represented at all four European Formula E racing events in season 10: Misano, Monaco, Berlin and the season finale in London. Overall, the series is planning its biggest racing calendar to date with a total of six European races as part of the Formula E and DTM support programme. The driver line-up - 20 young talents aged between 15 and 25 - is to be announced next week.

A race event in the Cup comprises two 20-minute practice sessions (with the exception of the Monaco E-Prix, where only FP1 takes place), a 20-minute qualifying session and a 20-minute race. Exactly how these sessions will fit into the Formula E race day remains to be seen.

NXT Gen Cup: 2024 race calendar

Race	Date	City / Country	Context
1	13-14/04/2024	Misano / Italy	Formula E
2	27/04/2024	Monaco / Monaco	Formula E
3	11-12/05/2024	Berlin / Germany	Formula E
4	05-07/07/2024	Norisring / Germany	DTM
5	20-21/07/2024	London / Great Britain	Formula E
6	18-20/10/2024	Hockenheim / Germany	DTM

 

With front-wheel drive & push-to-pass

In the NXT Gen Cup, the LRT NXT 1 built by Lestrup Racing, which is based on the road-legal Mini Cooper SE, is used as the standard car. The 1,150 kg car has 180 hp front-wheel drive, a 30 kWh battery and an 800-volt system that delivers an additional 60 hp when the push-to-pass function is activated.

Other features include recuperation during braking, adjustable Ӧhlins shock absorbers and Hankook semi-slick all-weather tyres. All charging processes are handled together with the official charging partner of the NXT Gen Cup, ABB E-Mobility.

"We are delighted to welcome the NXT Gen Cup after its highly successful debut last year," says Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E. "The addition of an all-electric junior category to the European part of our calendar will further contribute to the promotion of young talent, (...) and give them the opportunity to race on the same stage as our world-class drivers and teams."

Lestrup: "Creating a spectacular calendar with Formula E & DTM"

Fredrik Lestrup, series founder of the NXT Gen Cup, says: "The fact that the NXT Gen Cup has developed from an idea on paper less than two years ago to a race together with ABB FIA Formula E and the DTM this year is breathtaking and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved."

"Together with Formula E and DTM, we have created a spectacular calendar that provides a solid foundation for our young drivers to launch their racing careers and showcase their talents to some of the best teams and partners in the world. I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible. We are highly motivated to start our most exciting season yet!"

Subject to final approval by the FIA, the NXT Gen Cup's first appearance as part of Formula E will take place in Misano on 13 and 14 April, marking the start of the European tour of the world championship.