06/03/2019
NEWS STORY
Formula E is to bring electric racing back to the UK, with a unique track winding its way through the Royal Docks and ExCeL London in summer 2020 - for season six of the championship.
British fans of Formula E will once again be able to witness racing on the streets of the capital, as the fully-electric cars tackle the 2.4km clockwise circuit and line-up on the starting grid located inside ExCeL.
Consisting of 23 corners, the track layout will see the drivers running along the waterfront for the season finale double-header - the final two rounds of the European races on July 25 & 26, 2020 - subject to circuit homologation and approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
ExCeL will be the new home of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in the UK as part of a multi-year agreement, with the return of unrivalled inner-city racing and entertainment in the heart of London - a market at the forefront of electric vehicle technology and the adoption of clean mobility solutions.
The news comes at a time the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Britain's round of the Formula One World Championship, is in the final yesr of its contract, with Germany, Italy, Mexico and Spain also in the final year of their contracts.
While F1 bosses, Chase Carey and Sean Bratches have expressed their desire to retain "iconic" and "historic" tracks on the calendar, they have also made no secret of their dream of hosting events in the heart of destinations cities such as London.
"I'm extremely excited to be bringing the ABB FIA Formula E Championship and electric racing back to the UK," said Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E.
"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 in the Royal Docks at ExCeL London.
"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 UK 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," added 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," said David Richards, Chairman of the Motor Sports Association (MSA). "This innovative race series will be welcomed by fans throughout the country."