Formula E will enter India for the first time next year with a race to be held in Hyderabad on February 11, organizers have confirmed.
The race will be the first major international racing event in Hyderabad since the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix at the Buddha International Circuit in Delhi in October 2013.
Along with India, Brazil will also welcome the e-Prix for the first time on March 25 as Formula E and the FIA have released a seasonal calendar for the upcoming ninth season (2022-23).
“Two big motorsport fans will welcome the e-Prix for the first time. The fourth round of the championship will be held on February 11 in Hyderabad, India, while fans in Brazil will be able to watch the Sao Paulo e-Prix round. March 25 at 7, ”the media release said.
Earlier this year, Telangana government and Formula E officials signed a letter of intent (LoI) in Hyderabad to organize the race. The Telangana government intends to make the state a hub for EV vehicles and Formula E Race will help achieve this goal.
The race should also give a big boost to Indian motorsports, which have been in dire need of high-profile events since the Formula 1 was canceled after three seasons.
Alberto Lango, Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer, said: “The season 9 calendar of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is our most comprehensive and dynamic racing schedule and I can’t wait to start.
“We will continue to push the international boundaries of all-electric street racing, including the e-prix in Hyderabad and So Paulo, while in Jakarta and Seoul Daria, Mexico City, Berlin, Monaco, Rome and London.
The FIA-sanctioned world championships have grown exponentially over the years and include the world’s leading automakers, including Mercedes, Porsche, Nissan and India’s Mahindra Racing, which have been part of the all-electric series since its launch in 2014.
Karun Chandok is the only Indian driver to compete in this event.