The FIA Formula E Championship will make a return to London, United Kingdom, for the 2019/20 season, it has been announced.
Following the issues with Battersea Park – the UK’s first Formula E venue, the country was forced to be pulled out from the calendar of the all-electric series, with the organisers looking out for an alternative circuit to hold the races.
After years of discussions, the new venue has been found at the city’s iconic Docklands and ExCel London centre, which is one-of-a-kind with both indoor and outdoor spots in the 2.4km clockwise circuit around the Royal Victoria Dock.
The 23 corners track near the Thames riverfront is scheduled to take place as a double header of the 2019/20 season on July 25-26 – which is the final round of the year, provided it gets the circuit homologation certificate from the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
“I’m extremely excited to be bringing the ABB FIA Formula E Championship and electric racing back to the United Kingdom,” series co-founder, Alejandro Agag. “Every motorsport series would love to host an event in London.
“This has been our desire for quite some time now and we’re delighted to have found a new home at the ExCeL. We have a growing base of knowledgeable and passionate fans in the UK, and this race adds to a fantastic summer of sport as a world-class event we hope Londoners can be proud of.
“Formula E coming back to the United Kingdom extends beyond pure racing excitement, it’s also a strong message for London to tackle inner-city air pollution by promoting clean technologies and electric sustainable mobility.”
“It’s an honour to welcome the world’s first ever indoor and outdoor race to ExCeL London and the Royal Docks,” said Jeremy Rees, CEO, ExCeL London. “Events at ExCeL are thriving and London provides the perfect backdrop to host global entertainment brands, such as Formula E.
“We look forward to working closely with Formula E to showcase the versatility of our venue, creating a truly unique experience for teams, drivers and spectators. Hosting this event, is also closely aligned with our vision to create a more sustainable venue, in the heart of one of the most exciting destinations and best connected cities in the world.”
“I’m absolutely delighted to see the return of Formula E to London. This innovative race series will be welcomed by fans throughout the country,” added David Richards, Chairman of the Motor Sports Association (MSA).