What had been reported a few weeks ago is now an unfortunate reality. COVID-19 has once again played its part, and the Formula E race planned to be held in South Africa for Season 8 has been postponed.
The virus affecting humanity to high degrees has had a significant impact on sporting competitions, and the single-seater electric series has been no exception with a large number of rescheduled dates and venues.
The event was originally planned to be held in Cape Town on February 26, 2022, the first time that South Africa was included on the international calendar, but will be pushed back a year due to the continuing onslaught of the pandemic, organizers said.
Read also: Formula E to Change Qualifying Format for Season 8
It will be the first time an International Automobile Federation World Championship event will be held in South Africa since 1993’s Formula One Grand Prix at Kyalami. It is intended to be a five-year commitment to host the E-Prix in that territory.
Long-term Vision
Iain Banner, Chairman of Racing Promoters’ e-Movement pointed out that despite the suspension they signed a multi-year agreement with Formula E to host the event and expect to deliver a major spectacle for a long time to come.
“Bringing Formula E to South Africa has always been part of a broader vision to accelerate the country’s transformation into an innovation hub capable of driving the renewable energy and mobility transition across the continent, and ensuring it remains relevant and positioned to thrive for the next 50 years. We need to contribute to job creation, skills transfer and help the economy grow,” he stressed.
He detailed that the race will be the focal point of a week-long program of activities, including an e-Mobility festival to showcase the potential of electric vehicles, and an e-Invest Summit to attract global investors.
Meanwhile, Formula E co-founder and director Alberto Longo said that despite the disappointment of postponing the event, they have received a hugely positive response from the ecosystem around them.
The 7th Season of the ABB-sponsored Championship, held from February to August, was disputed by 12 teams with two drivers each. Nyck de Vries won the title with a Mercedes-EQ, a team that announced its withdrawal from the tournament.
The category revealed an expanded schedule of 16 races next year, with new events in Indonesia, Canada and South Korea.
Written by I Jhonattan González
