By alley - Apr 6, 2015, 10:57 AM ET

Formula E: Series pleased with results of U.S. run

Following its double-header in the USA, Formula E officials were lauding the success of the all-electric series' North American debut. After more than 33,000 spectators turned out for the Miami race last month, organizers claimed a crowd of 23,000 took in last Saturday's race in Long Beach, and a worldwide TV audience of more than 16 million viewers is claimed to have watched the Miami ePrix.

In Long Beach,

Nelson Piquet Jr. (ABOVE) won his first ePrix

in the same location where his father won his first victory in Formula 1 in 1980, while wearing a helmet replicating his world champion dad.

"I think it was a fantastic day, with the story of a son who retraces the footsteps of his father," said Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag. "None of those who then followed the victory of Nelson Sr. would have imagined that, 35 years later, his son could have done the same thing but at the wheel of a racing car powered by an electric motor – and yet that is what happened!

"Our championship is something different from the other motor racing series: there is a new technology, a new form of entertainment and I think many people here in the U.S., but also in other parts of the world where it has raced so far, did not know what they could expect to see," added Agag. "They came by the thousands and I think had a great time: we were greeted with great warmth and passion and I look forward to coming back to the States next year."

Formula E will now return to Europe, with the next round at Monaco, on May 9. Then the electric cars will race in Berlin (May 23), Moscow (June 6) and in London for the first season's grand finale on June 27-28.