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- Brainport region slated as possible race location
- Mulier Institute report proves local business support
Dutch ministers have sent a letter to Formula E chief executive Jamie Reigle expressing their support of Eindhoven hosting a race for the electric series.
The city has been seeking to attract a Formula E race for some time. Last year the Brabant region’s sporting events company commissioned the Mulier Institute to perform feasibility study into hosting an ePrix in Eindhoven, which approved the concept and demonstrated the potential for support from local businesses.
Reports suggest that the city’s Brainport ‘smart district’ has been singled out as a possible race location.
Now, in a bid to secure a Formula E round of the 2021/22 championship, five government ministers have given their support for a race to be held for three-to-five years.
The letter, published by The Race motorsport outlet, said: ‘We are convinced that the enthusiasm and commitment of the organising committee will ensure a successful event in a hospitable, safe and open atmosphere both for the participants and visitors.
‘We can assure you that, within the legal framework, the Dutch government will make every effort to assist the Formula E Operations Limited, the local organising committee and the participants.
‘On behalf of the Dutch government we would like to emphasise that we consider it an honour to host the Eindhoven ePrix in The Netherlands.’
The letter was co-signed by Tamara van Ark, the minister for medical care and sport, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, the minister of infrastructure and water management, Sigrid Kaag, the minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, Bas van ‘t Wout, the minister of economic affairs and climate policy and state secretary Mona Keijzer.
According to Formula Eindhoven, an organisation that aims to secure a Formula E race in the city, this is the first time four ministries have backed a proposal for a sporting event.
"On behalf of our organisation, I can say that I am extremely proud of the support of the Dutch government," said Peter-Paul Laumans, Formula Eindhoven chairman.
"We are working on something unique, something that has never happened in the Netherlands.
"In the meantime, many companies and institutions have supported our initiative, there is a lot of support and now also from The Hague, which is great."
Two Dutch drivers are currently competing in the championship, Mercedes' Nyck de Vries (pictured above) and Envision Virgin Racing's Robin Frijns, both who have backed the possibility of a Dutch race.
The 2021 Formula E season continues on 10th April in Rome, Italy.