Formula E has told BlackBook Motorsport that it intends to race in Hyderabad next season amid reports that the race is set to drop off the calendar.
Confirmed:
- Commercial arrangements with local stakeholders still in development
- Series yet to submit final details to the World Motor Sport Council, but there is still time for decision to be reached
Context:
Last week, Autosport reported that a return to India next season was unlikely for the all-electric series, suggesting that ‘the organising team behind the event was disbanded at the end of August after promoters pulled out funding from the race’. Hyderabad was absent from the provisional 2024 calendar, but there was a slot left open on 10th February for the race.
Comment:
Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer of Formula E, said: “Formula E and the government of Telangana created history together earlier this year with the first-ever motorsport world championship race to be held in the city. The spectacular Hyderabad E-Prix was enjoyed live by millions of fans around the world and boosted Hyderabad’s local economy by almost US$84 million. Formula E and the government of Telangana are in active discussions about a possible return to Hyderabad in 2024 with a race on 10th February. Confirmation of our plans will be announced following the FIA [International Automobile Federation] World Motor Sport Council Meeting on 19th October when the season ten calendar is updated.”
Coming next:
While there is every chance the race may not go ahead, at least in 2024, Formula E has every intention to return to India next season. If the race does fall through, it’s unclear what would replace it, with Cape Town and Malaga the other rumoured cities to take vacant slots on the schedule.