Brussels Formula E race depends on finding new venue
Formula E is working to keep the Brussels ePrix on its 2016/17 schedule, but a decision rests on a suitable location being found.
Brussels ePrix layout
Motorsport.com
The all-electric series is working with the Brussels regional government to find an alternative venue for the July 1 race after logistical problems hindered the second proposed location for the Belgian round.
It initially agreed to run the event in the Heysel area to the north of the capital, but that was dropped due to a clashing event.
Formula E found a replacement three miles south in Koekelberg, but it is believed officials did not want to disrupt local transport links at the start of summer.
Brussels’ minister of mobility and public works Pascal Smet wrote on his official Twitter account that the authority still agreed “in principle” to a round in the city.
It is understood he has given written confirmation to the organisers stating the region’s desire to host an Formula E race in Brussels and his willingness to help find an alternative venue.
However, Formula E is also considering postponing the race until the 2017/18 campaign because it does not want to risk compromising with an unsuitable circuit just to host it as part of this season’s title run-in.
The series is currently negotiating to move its Berlin ePrix, scheduled for June 10, to the Berlin Tempelhof Airport after the local green party objected to it continuing on a street track near the Alexanderplatz.
A second race in Germany – either as a Berlin double-header or with a second standalone event elsewhere – is believed to be an option, as Formula E is keen to retain a 12-race schedule.
The season-ending North American rounds in New York (July 15-16) and Montreal (July 29-30) are both double-headers.
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