Local promoter convinced Cape Town will feature on Formula E’s Season 9 calendar.

PHOTO CREDIT: ABB FIA Formula E.

Following the release of the provisional calendar for the Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship yesterday, local promoter e-Movement is adamant that a race will be staged in Cape Town in 2023.  

The new Gen 3 era for Formula E will see the likes of Maserati and McLaren joining a strong manufacturer entry list, with the season set to kick-off in Mexico City in January followed by a double-header in Diriyah, then a trip to Hyderabad (India). 

The world championship will then travel to three ‘to be decided’ destinations, with Cape Town expected to host it’s maiden Formula E race on 25 February 2023, with Sanya to follow in the second “TBD” calendar slot.

Earlier this year, e-Movement (the local organiser) formally launched the proposed Cape Town e-Prix layout, and formally confirmed that there are contracts and agreements in place with the Formula E organisation.

Whilst the Mother City currently does not feature on the first draft of the Season 9 calendar, the local organisers, and Formula E Co-Founder Alberto Longo are rather confident that Cape Town will be included in the final calendar, which is set to be issued by the World Motor Sport Council in September. 

“The Formula E race delivery team just spent three days in Cape Town alongside race promoter E-Movement and reported positive progress in key areas. Road construction for the track has commenced, and other important infrastructure requirements and negotiations are close to completion,” Formula E Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo said.

“The Formula E team is in daily contact with counterparts at E-Movement, the local race promoter, and the Formula E leadership team has complete line of sight on the project. We expect E-Movement to continue making positive progress which will result in the Cape Town E-Prix being confirmed when the provisional Season 9 calendar is finalised by the FIA this September”

“We started a journey in June 2019 to secure the rights to stage an E-Prix in Cape Town. Since achieving this objective, it has been all hands on deck to not only be in a position to deliver the race as part of Season 9, but to also stage an E-Fest the week prior to the race, which includes an E-mobility festival called ‘Electric’!, showcasing all things E, as well as ‘Africa’s Green Economy Summit’, which seeks to marry global capital with green economy opportunity in Africa” said e-Movement Chairman, Iain Banner.

“The upgrade of the Cape Town Stadium precinct based on a 2030 vision, includes the preparation of the FE race track, which construction is well underway. This work is scheduled to be completed by mid-December this year.”