Picture Credit: X
Formula E on Saturday, 6th January cancelled the Round 4 race of the 2024 calendar, scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on February 10th. This decision comes after the breach of contract by the state bodies and authorities. The Formula E shared the updated calendar for the season, after having no option but to cancel the race.
“The cancellation comes following a decision by the Municipal Administrative and Urban Development Department (MAUD), under the control of the Government of Telangana, not to fulfil the Host City Agreement signed on 30 October 2023,” the Formula E’s statement read.
It is to be further noted that Hyderabad E-Prix would have been the only official FIA World Championship event in India in 2024 after signing a multi-year contract. After the announcement, the Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, Alberto Longo and Formula E CEO, Jeff Dodds, both expressed their disappointment on the same.
“We are extremely disappointed for the huge motorsport fanbase in India. We know that hosting an official motorsport world championship race is an important and prestigious occasion for Hyderabad and the whole country. The President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), Akbar Ebrahim, and his team have been incredibly supportive in bringing Formula E back to Hyderabad. They hare our disappointment in the decision of the Government of Telangana which means that will not happen,” Alberto Longo said.
The Hyderabad E-Prix, as informed by Formula E CEO, Jeff Dodds had delivered almost USD84 Million in the inaugural year, which is 2023.
“Really disappointed” - Jehan Daruvala after cancellation of Hyderabad E-Prix
Indian driver, Jehan Daruvala, who signed his first-ever Formula E contract with Maserati MSG Racing, also expressed his disappointment on the same. “Really disappointed, was looking forward to my home race! … But the new season is just around the corner - so full focus on Mexico, coming up next week,” he wrote on X.
However, with the cancellation of the Hyderabad E-Prix, Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, Monaco and others will continue to host the races in the 2024 season. Moreover, the 2024 edition will commence from January 13 with the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix.
