The highly anticipated second Formula E race in India, scheduled to take place on 10 February, has been officially cancelled. This decision comes after the championship received a letter from the new Government of Telangana, casting doubt on the event. In response, Formula E announced its disappointment and served notice to the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD) that it is in breach of contract. This unfortunate development has left motorsport fans in India disheartened and major partners, such as Mahindra and Tata Communications, disappointed.
The cancellation of the Formula E race in Hyderabad, India, was a result of the controversial decision made by the Government of Telangana. The decision was based on political reasons, as the new government had been opposed to the race taking place even before it came into office. This opposition ultimately led to the refusal to fulfill the Host City Agreement, leaving Formula E with no choice but to cancel the race. The championship’s co-founder, Alberto Longo, expressed the disappointment of the huge motorsport fanbase in India, as hosting a world championship race is a prestigious occasion for the country.
Hyderabad, the planned host city, was set to showcase the benefits of adopting electric vehicles and the positive economic impact of the race. However, due to the cancellation, the city will miss out on these opportunities. Last year’s inaugural race in Hyderabad delivered approximately $84 million in positive economic impact to the region. The decision by the Government of Telangana not only affects the city but also disappoints the major Indian partners, especially Mahindra and Tata Communications. The race would have served as a platform to highlight the importance of electric vehicles in a market where vehicle pollution significantly impacts public health and the environment.
The cancellation of the Indian race has created a void in the Formula E calendar for the upcoming season. Despite efforts to find a replacement venue, it is understood that no new location will fill the vacant slot. This means that there will be a significant gap of almost two months between the races in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (26-27 January), and Sao Paulo, Brazil (16 March). This reduction to 15 races in the calendar could potentially impact the excitement and momentum of the season as fans eagerly anticipate the Mexican City race on 13 January.
The cancellation of the first Formula E race in India is a disappointing blow for motorsports fans, the city of Hyderabad, and major partners involved. The controversial decision made by the Government of Telangana has denied India the opportunity to showcase the benefits of electric vehicles and the positive economic impact of hosting a world championship race. The void created in the calendar further adds to the disappointment, as Formula E will face a lengthy gap between races. Nevertheless, motorsport enthusiasts can still look forward to the upcoming season and hope for a successful and uninterrupted championship.
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