The Main Proposal

Simply, my proposal is for Formula E to rebegin the 2019/2020 season in August, but rather than at street circuits, be at permanent racetrack facilities, away from major cities. This is a contradiction of the main aims of Formula E, which is to bring all-electric motorsport, to the centre of some of the biggest cities in the world.

But, the global pandemic of 2020, is not going to suddenly disappear. With many believing that crowds will not be allowed at sporting events, until at least November 2020, in Europe at least. So, what is the point, for the cities, to build up the circuits, without the grandstands.

At the same time, Formula E has to restart its season at some point, otherwise the series will just never restart, and will be another loss business to the Coronavirus pandemic. So, my suggestion is to end the year, by going to specially selected circuits, away from the cities. Some would say Formula E needs to, Escape from the City.

So, the 2019/2020 season ends in November or December of 2020, with the 2021 season, starting in January and ending in the Autumn of the following year. Creating annual championships, rather than the October – July season schedule, that Formula E has had since its first Championship season.

2021 would then see a return to city/street circuits, but with the additional security for Formula E, that if the street/city race, cannot happen, an alternative racetrack in that country or region of the world, can substitute for the failed street/city race. It gives Formula E some security against cancelled races, whilst slowly allowing the more city/street races to re-join the calendar, as the fight against the pandemic, continues around the world.

But I also think it allows Formula E, to explore the potential of the racing series, away from the streets or centre of cities. It could allow Formula E, to find new opportunities, to go to new destinations, where there is no street circuit, but the location of a particular circuit, is important for Formula E’s brand and marketable image, that it is then possible for that race to happen, in a new era for the series.

For an example, the Arctic Circle Raceway in Norway, could be said to be in an important place, as the polar poles are getting hotter, and the ice is disappearing. Therefore, showing this by visiting this circuit, in a very rural but environmentally friendly place, apart from the circuit, could help Formula E spread its message, into and away from the cities.

So, I think the question is now, what circuits would I choose for Formula E, for the rest of 2020, and even for the 2021 calendar. Hopefully, the next two sections of the book, will make this clear.

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