The FIA Formula E has revealed the 2023/24 calendar as the Indian round stays on with China joining in but Jakarta is off.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship today announced a return to China and India for the milestone 10th season of the world’s leading electric motor racing series, making it the only motorsport to stage events during 2024 in the world’s three most populous countries: China, India and the USA.
Shanghai and Hyderabad were confirmed as host cities in Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship following approval at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting on 19 October. Formula E will race for the first time in Shanghai at the Shanghai International Circuit with a double-header of races on Saturday, 25 May and Sunday, 26 May 2024.
The first-ever Formula E race was held in Beijing on 13 September 2014 with a second instalment following a year later. Sanya then hosted the most recent Chinese E-Prix in 2019, with Formula E also racing in Hong Kong on four occasions over three seasons between Seasons 2 and 5.
There are two further updates to the Season 10 calendar. The event planned for Jakarta on Saturday, 8 June will not go ahead following the announcement of a campaigning period in the Indonesian presidential elections during most of June. This would impact the logistics of delivering a race on the streets of the capital city at the same time. Formula E and the authorities in Jakarta are exploring the feasibility of racing in the city on an alternative date.
The second update is a likely venue change in Italy for Rounds 7 and 8. This follows a review by experts at Formula E and the FIA into the Season 9 races in Rome, where the new faster, more powerful GEN3 car reached the limits of the narrow, sharp-turning circuit in Rome’s business district. Formula E is exploring alternative venues, including permanent circuits, to maintain an event in the key Italian market. An update on the venue in Italy is expected before the end of the year.
Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said: “Without doubt our Season 10 calendar is the most compelling yet for drivers, teams, fans and viewers around the world. We are taking Formula E to Shanghai for the first time and are honoured to return to India thanks to the support of the Telangana Government and Minister K. T. Rama Rao. The combination of street circuits, which is in Formula E’s DNA, and established race tracks will allow drivers to push the capabilities of the GEN3 car harder and further after a first season that beat all expectations with triple-digit overtakes in most races and the world championship titles decided on the final weekend.”
Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said: “Formula E will lead global motorsport next season as the only world championship to race in the three biggest markets of China, India and the USA. Together with our debut on the streets of Tokyo and races in other major global markets like Brazil, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the UK, we have built a calendar that has the potential to engage billions of people in the exciting, entertaining, electric future of motorsport.”
Marek Nawarecki, Director, FIA Circuit Sport Department, said: “The 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season promises to play host to some fascinating action, with a range of circuits that will truly showcase the qualities of the GEN3 car. In addition to the return of Hyderabad, Formula E will be heading back to China, whilst also organising a brand new race in Tokyo. The growing presence of the championship in Asia is a very positive development, that will benefit fans and manufacturers alike.”
Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship begins in Mexico City on Saturday, 13 January 2024. There are 16 rounds scheduled in 11 cities before the season climax in London on the weekend of Saturday, 20 July and Sunday, 21 July.
[Note: The story is as per press release]
