- ExCeL Arena has hosted Formula E since 2021
- Brands Hatch was also considered as an option
Formula E looks set to move the British E-Prix from its current home at the ExCeL Arena in London to Silverstone Circuit, according to The Race.
Talks have reportedly ramped up between the all-electric racing series and the Northamptonshire racetrack in recent months, with a date in April being floated as a potential new slot on the calendar.
The ExCeL Arena has hosted Formula E since 2021. However, the restrictive nature of the exhibition centre means it is unable to accommodate a significant expansion to the current circuit, prompting a search for an alternative to the London venue.
Brands Hatch was also known to be an option, but Formula E has set its sights on the home of British motorsport. With Formula E cars set to become significantly quicker with the introduction of the Gen4 eras, the series wants to move away from smaller street circuits.
This shift is evident with this year’s calendar including multiple traditional circuits, like Misano, Shanghai, and Portland.
Go deeper:
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- Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds on his new role, ambitions, and the Change. Accelerated. Live. conference
BlackBook says…
It will be strange to see Formula E cars driving around Silverstone if this move comes to fruition, but it’s not surprising to see the all-electric series turn its back on the ExCeL.
While the exhibition centre could be considered Formula E’s current home, the series now has a much more global outlook compared to when it debuted at the site in 2021.
Something that makes this decision easier is the addition of the Tokyo race, which is also held around an exhibition centre.
Formula E chief executive Jeff Dodds previously told BlackBook Motorsport that Tokyo can become a home for the series, saying “there’s potential for a very long-term partnership there”.
Finding a balance between traditional circuits and street tracks will be crucial for the next generation of Formula E, and the allure of the home of British motorsport appears too good to turn down.