► Formula E Rome ePrix this weekend
► Pope blesses this year’s car
► Half the grid attended
Formula E arrives in Rome for round seven of the 2017-2018 season, but it appears to have caught the attention of the capital’s most distinguished inhabitant. Earlier this week Pope Francis took a look at this year’s Formula E car, and His Holiness even blessed the all-electric racer.
As well as the car itself, the Pope also met with Formula E creator and CEO, Alejandro Agad (pictured).
According to the Formula E website, more than half the grid made the journey to the Vatican City to celebrate the first ever Rome ePrix. Interestingly this year’s race is called the ‘BMM Niobium Rome E-Prix presented by Mercedes EQ’ in full. That’s right, despite not being part of the series yet, Mercedes is already sponsoring some of the events.
For more information about Formula E, as well as details on next year’s revolutionary car, you can read our guide here. If you prefer your racing with a little more petrol, you’ll be pleased to know the Chinese F1 Grand Prix also takes place this weekend.