RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The contract that has been signed has a duration of five years, with options for renewal, which means that, should a race be held here in 2023, Formula E could have at least four new venues on next year’s calendar.
The electric single-seater category has already revealed that one round will be held in Cape Town next season; while postponed, Vancouver will make its first appearance on the calendar next year. In addition, the Indian city of Hyderabad has reached another agreement to host a race.
São Paulo already appeared in Formula E’s provisional calendars. It was scheduled to host a race in the 2017-2018 season but was eventually ruled out by the event held in Punta del Este.
Although the official reason was that the city authorities had asked to postpone the race, it did not appear in the draft calendars for the following year.
Rio de Janeiro came close to hosting a race in Formula E’s inaugural season in 2014-15, but this too was ruled out.
“We are delighted that the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is heading to Brazil for the first time, pending approval at the FIA World Motor Sport Council in June,” announced Formula E championship director Alberto Longo.
“The country has a huge and long-standing passion for motorsport, it’s a big market being one of the largest countries in the world, and São Paulo itself is a historic racing venue.”
“We can’t wait to welcome the Brazilian fans. They are like no other, and there is sure to be a lively and unique atmosphere as fans enjoy Formula E racing with the leap forward in technology and performance we will see with Gen3.”
The agreement for São Paulo to join the calendar was signed in Monaco and will be promoted by São Paulo Turismo and GL Events.
The mayor of São Paulo, Ricardo Nunes, also wanted to offer his opinion: “Hosting an E-Prix is fully aligned with the city’s objectives to attract events that promote the image of São Paulo to the whole world, to move the economy and create jobs with event tourism; furthermore, to encourage sustainable development.”
SPTuris says the race will occur at the Sambódromo de Anhembi, which already hosted the São Paulo IndyCar Indy 300 race between 2010 and 2013. The intention is for the event to take place on March 24 and 25, three weeks after the São Paulo Carnival.