Formula E visits Pope Francis at the Vatican ahead of inaugural race on Rome streets

• Pope Francis welcomes Formula E drivers to the Eternal City for first-ever E-Prix in Rome on 14 April 

ROME, ITALY: 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 14 April.

Alongside Formula E Founder & CEO Alejandro Agag - as well as ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani - the drivers, team representatives and the official championship car were 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 (14 April) for the CBMM Niobium Rome E-Prix, presented by Mercedes EQ - round seven of the 2017/18 ABB FIA Formula E Championship.