Todt teases next generation Formula E - hints to 'surprises'

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FIA President Jean Todt has suggested that the final design of Formula E's 2018/19 car will likely include some radical changes.

Motorsport's governing body, driven by Todt's guidance, has thrown all its weight behind the all-electric series, helping Formula E steer itself towards the future.

The series has gained unquestionable momentum after three season, drawing increased manufacturer interest as the latest commitments of Mercedes and Porsche clearly indicate.

Formula E's fifth season will see the introduction of a new design, the outline of which was revealed earlier this year by Spark Technologies.

But Todt has alluded to design changes which are in the works, apparently centered around the rear of the car which will also integrate a halo cockpit protection device.

"We like to make some good surprises and this [the season five car] will be a good surprise with new safety and technology on the car," Todt told Motorsport.com.

"The big change is only having one car [per driver, per race] and for me Formula E is a visionary category in motorsport."

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The 2018/19 FE car will undergo private testing later this year before the final design is supplied to teams early in 2018.

Recent announcements by the French and British governments seeking a ban on all petrol and diesel vehicles from 2040 were greeted with enthusiasm by the FIA's president.

Todt believes the directives, coupled with growing manufacturer engagement, only enforce Formula E's status as a trail blazing racing category.

"You have seen that by 2040 the UK and France will ban and any car that will not be hybrid," said Todt.

"They want to encourage the introduction of the electric car, so in a way Formula E is ahead.

"Formula E is a show and it is a laboratory, and as a show people love entertainment, so we want this kind of feeling."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.