It’s not all good news for Formula E. While it is true that the competition closed the seventh season on a high note, with great audience levels and significant improvements on profitability, the first stumbling block for the eighth season has already arisen.
It is the E-Prix scheduled to take place in South Africa, which, according to the local sports press, could be officially ruled out in the coming days. It is speculated that the main reason is the spike in cases and restrictions that COVID-19 is causing again.
Additionally, reports point out that the construction of the track around Cape Town will not be completed on the scheduled date. Although a setback, the city is expected to postpone the race until 2023, as it has a five-year contract to host the event.
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“Naturally, as experienced around the world, the COVID has had a profound impact on planning,” Iain Banner, chairman of the Cape Town E-Prix, said in the report.
Important Conclave
Banner noted that the FIA council will announce the schedule for the eighth campaign after its meeting on October 15. “Our position is simple. We as promoters and the City of Cape Town have signed a five year contract. I expect we will be running beyond that as well. Whether it’s 2022 or 2023 is not a big deal. In fact, it’s short term,” he added.
No Formula E and yes F1?
South Africa has also been recently generating interest in Formula One with the CEO, Stefano Domenicali, hinting that the country could host a Grand Prix next year, if speculation is to be believed.
Domenicali already revealed earlier this week that there will be 23 races on next year’s calendar and that the full schedule will be released later this month. However, if there is to be a return of the South African GP, it is more likely to be from 2023.
Kyalami is believed to be the preferred track if the event goes ahead, but the venue, like the Cape Town E-Prix, may not be able to fully prepare for a 2022 race.
Written by I Jhonattan González
