Green and quiet

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Overtaking looks far away but Formula E is gradually entering the slipstream of its older and faster rival Formula 1 after getting a major boost from Mercedes and Porsche.

Ahead of the Formula E series ending t his weekend in Montreal, Canada, the two traditional racing giants have announced that they will compete in the series from 2019. It is a sign that Formula E — that's E for Electric — will continue to gain in popularity, especially if it gets quicker and more exciting.

Formula E street races include Berlin, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Paris and New York, offering easy access to fans who can simply walk to watch. Both Montreal and glamorous Monaco also host F1 races.

Jean Todt, president of motorsport's governing body, FIA, calls Formula E "a relevant laboratory for developing electric vehicle technologies," that offers innovative prospects for the future of car racing.

Mercedes, which has won the last three drivers' and constructors' championships in F1, is enthusiastic about joining in.

"Formula E is like an exciting start-up venture, it offers a brand new format, combining racing with a strong event character, in order to promote current and future technologies," Mercedes head of motorsports Toto Wolff said. "Electrification is happening in the road car world and Formula E offers manufacturers an interesting platform to bring this technology to a new audience."

So what are the key issues facing Formula E?

Formula E has environmentally friendly cars and is quieter than the ear- splitting, fuel- guzzling F1 engines. An FE car is 80 decibels com-