London ePrix to take place June 2015
Wandsworth Council granted approval for Formula E-races to be held in London this summer
The UK are currently arranging for the “London ePrix” weekend taking place in Battersea Park in June.
The high-performance electric car races will run on a 1.8 mile circuit which will host the ultimate two races to provide a “world class” climax to the introductory FIA Formula E Championship.
The E-cars are capable of reaching a top speed of up to 140mph and can accelerate from 0-100kmh in 2.9 seconds.
According to Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, “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”.
British architect Simon Gibbons and Formula E’s London event team managed the design of the 15-turn track.
Deputy Leader of Wandsworth council said: "Our great city now has another world-class event to add to its calendar. Formula E is an incredible racing spectacle and a showcase for zero emission electric motoring. This sport is changing attitudes to electric cars and I’m delighted Battersea Park will be the backdrop for the season finale”.
Taking in consideration competitions in Argentina, China, Monaco and the US, the ePrix in June will mark the end of an 11-race season. However, London is the first to host two races during the course of a month.
CEO of Formula E, Alejandro Agag, said: “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”.
Additionally, spectators will be supporting the FE school series, organised by UK charity Greenpower Trust, which focuses on children from 10 local schools participating in a self-assembled electric kit car around the full size race track. The initiative aims to inspire young people to develop careers in engineering and sustainability.
