Didier Malga is a passionate motorsport driver, specialising in electric and hydrogen vehicles. After competing in regional rallies, he discovered new energy vehicles in 2015. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in electric rallying, becoming a world champion in his first season. He is now behind the creation of the French round of the World Championship of Énergies Nouvelles rallies, which will take place in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in June 2026.
Can you tell us about your motorsport background?
Didier Malga: II started very young with regional tarmac rallies, driven by passion. I competed for several years before pausing to focus on my professional and family life. I returned in the late 2000s, initially with historic vehicles, including 1970s sports cars, and then, by chance, entered the field of new energy vehicles in 2015.
We discovered this discipline during our participation in the E-Rallye Monte-Carlo, on the suggestion of the Automobile Club of Monaco, alongside my co-driver. At the time, the “alternative energy” category was very broad: electric, hydrogen, E85, biofuels… We competed with a 208 GTI running on E85 and finished fifth. The following year, with a Tesla, we finished third, then won in 2017. This victory allowed us to enter the World Championship, where we became champions in our very first season.
Since then, we have continued our involvement, despite seasons complicated by crew availability and the pandemic. This led us to focus on the French Championship and the creation of our French round, to provide a true driving force for electric motorsport in France.
What attracts you to electric rallying?
D.M. : What appealed to me most was the novelty and the sense of discovery. Electric vehicles behave very differently, with a low centre of gravity, instant acceleration, and exceptional handling. It’s a real pleasure to drive, even managing powers from 400 to 700 horsepower.
In addition, organising it is much simpler: no heavy support is needed as in combustion engines, maintenance is minimal, and budgets are more accessible. This also attracts financial partners, drawn to the innovation and modern image of the discipline.
We regularly run driving experiences and electric driving coaching to show participants that these vehicles are not only environmentally friendly, but also high-performing and fun to drive.
What is the future of electric motorsport in your view?
D.M.: The future is clear and irreversible. Two main drivers are pushing it forward: public health and climate. Over 40,000 deaths in France each year are linked to fine particles, making the energy transition inevitable.
Electric motorsport plays an educational role: it demonstrates performance and driving pleasure, encouraging the public to adopt electric mobility faster and in a positive way. It is a tangible catalyst for change.
The E-Rallye Auvergne Rhône-Alpes in June 2026: what is it?
D.M. : After competing internationally, we positioned ourselves to create the French round of the World Championship — which didn’t exist until now. After years of administrative work and organising a first test in late September 2025 with an FIA observer, our event is finally part of the FIA calendar.
This French round, taking place from 19–21 June 2026, is designed as a true showcase for electric motorsport in France. It will bring together world championship drivers and attract new participants, who can later feed into a future French Championship.
The goal is to make the event sustainable, showcase the discipline to the public, and encourage both professionals and enthusiasts to embrace electric mobility.
Why did you choose Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes for the French round?
D.M. : It’s our region, and the route crosses a wide variety of landscapes, from the Alps to the volcanoes of Auvergne, creating an exciting “raid” dimension for participants. Support from the regional council has been crucial, and the route highlights the geographical and tourist richness of the area.
What are your long-term goals for electric rallying in France?
D.M.: To secure and develop the French round, with organisation comparable to the largest international events. We also want to energise electric motorsport across France, including rallies, circuits, and endurance racing.
Advances in batteries and range will soon allow 12- or 24-hour races on circuits, day and night. We are also considering integrating circuit stages into rallies, as is already done for combustion vehicles, to enrich the sporting experience.
Can you tell us about the association created for this round?
D.M.: We created the “E-Rallye Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes” association, stemming from our teams Red Cow Racing and Green Motion, to manage organisation, communication, and finances autonomously. This ensures the event’s longevity and development, keeping its budgets and activities separate from our other operations.
Is France behind Europe in electric motorsport?
D.M. : Not really. France already has four world champions in various electric disciplines: Jean-Éric Vergne in Formula E, Adrien Tambay in ETCR, Sébastien Loeb in Extreme E, and myself in electric rallying. While the daily energy transition is slower, we are ahead in e-motorsport. These successes should be used to promote the discipline and electric mobility to the public.
Any final words?
D.M. : Electric mobility is all about simplicity and enjoyment: less fatigue, minimal maintenance, no fuel, incredible sensations. Range is improving quickly, allowing very long distances without constraint. It’s a modern, accessible, innovative, and exciting sport, showing that the energy transition can be both high-performance and fun.
