His Holiness Pope Francis today welcomed a selection of drivers competing in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship to his residence in Santa Marta ahead of the first-ever E-Prix on the streets of Rome on April 14.

Representing the FIA was World Motor Sport Council Vice-President and ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani, who alongside Founder & CEO of Formula E Alejandro Agag and the drivers, team representatives and the official championship car was given a private Apostolic Blessing before attending the papal audience.

Over half the grid and the fully-electric Formula E car made the short trip to Vatican City, prior to the inaugural race in the Italian capital on Saturday for the Rome E-Prix – round seven of the 2017/18 ABB FIA Formula E Championship.