Setback for Indian Motorsport Fans as Formula E Faces Government Roadblock
In a disappointing turn of events, the highly anticipated Formula E race in Hyderabad, scheduled for February 10, has been abruptly canceled. The city’s vibrant streets, adjacent to the picturesque Hussain Sagar Lake, will no longer host the championship due to failed negotiations with the local government.
The unsettling news was confirmed last Friday by Formula E organizers, who pointed to a breakdown in talks with the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD) under the Government of Telangana. This sudden decision, described as a breach of contract, leaves the racing community and Indian fans disheartened.
Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer of Formula E, expressed profound disappointment for the motorsport enthusiasts in India. Despite the unwavering support from the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the Government of Telangana’s stance has thwarted the prestigious occasion for Hyderabad and the entire nation.
“We are extremely disappointed for the huge motorsport fanbase in India,” Longo said. The President of the FMSCI, Akbar Ebrahim, and his team have been incredibly supportive in bringing Formula E back to Hyderabad.”
The selected street circuit, last year’s venue for the inaugural race, will now remain silent as the Government of Telangana, under new leadership elected last year, opposes the race’s staging.
Jeff Dodds, Formula E CEO, expressed deep frustration at the missed opportunity to build on the success of the previous year, which brought a significant economic impact of almost $84 million to the region. The cancellation also affects major Indian partners such as Mahindra and Tata Communications.
Dodds lamented, “Racing in Hyderabad was important to showcase the benefits of adopting electric vehicles in a market where pollution from vehicle engines has a massive impact on public health and the environment.”
The void left by the canceled race will remain unfilled for the upcoming season, creating an unusual gap of almost two months between the races in Diriyah (26-27 January) and Sao Paulo (16 March). The Formula E calendar, set to kick off in Mexico City on 13 January, will now proceed with 15 races.
This unexpected development poses challenges for the championship, leaving fans and participants eagerly anticipating the races ahead, while the Formula E team navigates the complexities of future race arrangements.
Article by AutomotiveWoman.com | An automotive & motorsport content creator
IMAGES: Formula E
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