EDITORIAL
Formula E announced a revision to the Season 10 race calendar, confirming the cancellation of the Hyderabad E-Prix (Round 4) initially scheduled for Saturday, 10 February 2024.
The decision to cancel the race stems from the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD), governed by the Government of Telangana, choosing not to fulfil the Host City Agreement signed on 30 October 2023, a statement here said on Saturday.
Formula E Operations (FEO) found itself compelled to formally notify MAUD of the breach of contract. FEO is currently assessing its options and considering the steps it might take under the Host City Agreement and applicable laws, reserving all rights in this regard.
The Hyderabad E-Prix was slated to be the sole official FIA World Championship event in India for 2024, forming part of a multi-year agreement between Formula E and the Government of Telangana.
Among the host cities confirmed on the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar for Season 10 are Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, Monaco, and London. The season is set to commence next Saturday, 13 January, with the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix.
Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, expressed disappointment, saying, “We are extremely disappointed for the huge motorsport fanbase in India. We know that hosting an official motorsport world championship race is an important and prestigious occasion for Hyderabad and the whole country.”
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, conveyed frustration, stating, “It is deeply frustrating that we cannot build on the success of the inaugural race last year, which delivered almost 84 million USD in positive economic impact to the region. We are also disappointed for our major Indian partners, particularly Mahindra and Tata Communications. 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.”
