The London finale of the inaugural Formula E all-electric single-seater championship will run to a double-header race format.
Following a decision by Wandsworth Council in London, the event has received full planning approval to be held within the grounds of Battersea Park. The London ePrix will also encompass two separate races – Rounds 10 and 11 – on Saturday June 27 and Sunday June 28.
After many months of planning and following lengthy consultations with all parties, the final two rounds will be held on a specially created 15-turn, 2.92km circuit – designed by FE’s London Event Team together with British architect Simon Gibbons.
Fantastic end-of-season spectacle
“Discussions for our London Formula E race have been many months in the planning so we’re delighted to be awarded planning approval by Wandsworth Council,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, who took a personal interest in meetings with nearby residents.
“Our thanks must go to all the parties involved for their hardwork and co-operation, especially Mayor Boris Johnson, Wandsworth Council and the various stakeholder groups with interests in the location.
“Having two races in London – the final two of the season – was an option we discussed at length with Wandsworth Council and means that London could well be where the inaugural champion is crowned, making it a fantastic spectacle for the city and a great platform to showcase sustainable mobility and clean energy.
“We will now begin preparations for bringing urban electric racing to London but of course that means working closely with all parties and local residents’ groups to ensure that we remain sympathetic to all park users.”
Boris Johnson: ‘atmosphere will be electric’
Mayor Johnson added: “Formula E is set to be a superb addition to London’s sporting calendar. The atmosphere will quite literally be electric and Battersea, which is already booming with the buzz of regeneration, will be alive with the excitement that this new, world-class event will no doubt spark.”
In addition to the Formula E action, spectators will also get to enjoy the championship’s support race – the FE School Series – which sees children from 10 local schools compete in self-assembled electric kit cars around the full-size race track. Organised by UK charity Greenpower, the series aims to inspire young people to develop careers in engineering and sustainability.
Bird tips ‘plenty of action’
British driver Sam Bird, who competes for the UK-based Virgin Racing team, said of the circuit layout: “The track is in the beautiful Battersea Park, right next to the River Thames, just across from Chelsea and with some of the most famous features of London’s skyline in the background.
“The layout itself seems to combine fast straights, a couple of high-speed bends, as well as some challenging chicanes and braking zones. I think the London ePrix spectators will be treated to some close, fast racing with plenty of action and overtaking. The organisers have done a good job with this layout and I can’t wait to race there, in front of my home crowd!”
For the London ePrix, Formula E will utilise MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) – the event organising division of MSV based at Brands Hatch – to act as the race meeting organiser.
