Birmingham in advanced talks with Formula E to host ePrix on city's streets next year, says West Midlands Mayor
Announcement revives memories of much-loved Superprix during late 1980s
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The English city of Birmingham is in advanced talks to host a round of the Formula E electric series next year, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said on Monday.
The street race would bring back memories of the Birmingham Superprix, a Formula 3000 race that was held between 1986 and 1990.
“Over the last year, we have been in negotiations with the organisers of the FIA Formula E Championship about bringing a road race to Birmingham, effectively reviving the Superprix,” British media quoted Street as saying.
“We are now in the advanced stages of these negotiations.”
Street said Birmingham wanted to showcase its revamped city centre and also the region’s position “as a world leader in next generation automotive technologies”.
Jaguar Land Rover, which has its own Formula E team, is based in nearby Coventry.
“So much of the engineering that goes into the cars already used in Formula E racing comes from the West Midlands, it makes perfect sense we should be hosting such events,” added Street.
“If we are successful in concluding the deal, this Formula E race will take place next summer on a route similar to the one used in the original Superprix.”
Birmingham is also due to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Formula E officials were not immediately available for comment. The last round of the championship to be held in England was in London’s Battersea Park in July 2016.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments