British Driver Sam Bird “Delighted” by Return of London e-Prix

Formula E has today announced that the sixth Formula E season will see a return of the London E-Prix.

The UK race – held at Battersea Park – appeared on the Formula E calendar in seasons one and two, but was subsequently withdrawn and has been absent ever since.

Now championship organisers have revealed that it is to return for next season at a circuit located around the ExCeL Arena in east London. The race is scheduled to take place on July 25 & 26, 2020 as a season-finale double-header to season six. The 2.4km, 23-turn clockwise circuit will see drivers line-up inside the arena and will be part of a multi-year agreement.

The E-Prix remains a special one for Envision Virgin Racing and driver Sam Bird who – as a British racer – won his home E-Prix in season one, becoming one of only two drivers to have ever done so (the other being Jean-Eric Vergne in Paris, season four).

Speaking about the announcement, 32-year-old Bird said: “As a British driver and a previous London E-Prix winner, I’m absolutely delighted to learn that Formula E is once again racing in the capital in season six. To win your home race, in front of your home fans, is one of the most memorable feelings for any racing driver, so to have that opportunity again is a very exciting prospect. It’s also great news for the championship as it’s such an important market both in terms of stature, but also with so many teams, workers and fans based in the UK. I just can’t wait to race now!”

Further details on the London E-Prix will be announced closer to the time. Attention now turns to the next Formula E race (round five) which takes place this coming weekend in Hong Kong on Sunday 10 March.