The Formula E race in India, scheduled to take place on 10 February, has been canceled due to the Government of Telangana’s decision not to fulfill the Host City Agreement. This unfortunate news has left Formula E fans and organizers deeply disappointed, as the race would have been a significant event for Hyderabad and the entire country.
Last week, Formula E received a letter from the new Government of Telangana, which raised concerns about the Hyderabad race. In response, the championship sought urgent clarification, fearing that the event could be in jeopardy. Unfortunately, it was officially confirmed on Friday that the race would not be taking place.
The Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD), under the control of the Government of Telangana, made the decision not to fulfill the Host City Agreement. Formula E had no choice but to formally notify MAUD that it was in breach of contract. This turn of events is a big blow to the motorsport fanbase in India and the efforts made by the President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and his team to bring Formula E back to Hyderabad.
Hosting an official motorsport world championship race is considered an important and prestigious occasion for any city and country. Formula E acknowledges the disappointment shared by the FMSCI and recognizes the support they have received in bringing the race to Hyderabad. The cancellation of the event not only affects motorsport enthusiasts but also has broader implications for showcasing the benefits of adopting electric vehicles in a country where vehicle pollution has a significant impact on public health and the environment.
The race was scheduled to be held at a street circuit near the Hussain Sagar lake in downtown Hyderabad, the same location where the inaugural race took place last year. However, the new Government of Telangana, elected in the previous year, had expressed opposition to hosting the 2023 race even before coming into office. This opposition has ultimately led to the cancellation of the anticipated event.
The cancellation comes as a significant disappointment for Formula E, as the inaugural race in Hyderabad last year generated approximately 84 million USD in positive economic impact for the region. Moreover, major Indian partners such as Mahindra and Tata Communications have also been adversely affected by this decision. The race in Hyderabad would have been an ideal opportunity to promote and demonstrate the advantages of electric vehicles in a market where pollution from conventional vehicle engines poses a substantial threat to public health and the environment.
With the cancellation of the race in India, there is now an empty slot in the Formula E calendar for the upcoming season. However, it appears that no new venue will be able to fill this vacant slot, resulting in a two-month gap between Diriyah (26-27 January) and Sao Paulo (16 March). This gap in the calendar reduces the number of races in the season to 15.
The cancellation of the Formula E race in India is a great disappointment for motorsport enthusiasts, as well as for organizers, partners, and fans who were eagerly anticipating the event. The decision by the Government of Telangana not to fulfill the Host City Agreement has had a significant impact on the race’s outcome. Nevertheless, the Formula E championship will continue to captivate fans worldwide as it moves forward with its remaining races, promoting the benefits and adoption of electric vehicles in the global market.
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