The FIA Formula E Championship has announced it is set to take circuit racing back to Switzerland for the first time in over 60 years, with the inaugural Zurich E-Prix set to take place on June 10, 2018.
The updated calendar was published following the Septeber FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting, with Zurich adding to the list of new destinations on the 2017/18 schedule – joining Santiago, Sao Paulo and Rome who are also hosting Formula E for the first time.
Racing had previously been forbidden in Switzerland for decades, with the last event taking place at Bremgarten circuit in 1954 however, a law change in 2015 lifted restrictions on fully-electric racing. After the success of the previous three seasons, Formula E will also return to Berlin as the German round is confirmed at Tempelhof Airport on May 19. The dates for the New York City E-Prix have also moved one week later – now taking place over the course of two days on July 14 & 15.
“I am very pleased that circuit racing is returning to Switzerland next year with the FIA Formula E Championship event in Zurich,” explained FIA president Jean Todt. “To be able to reintroduce this discipline to a country where it has been absent since it was banned in 1955 is an exciting prospect and the achievement of an important goal for the FIA. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making it a reality, as it is important for us to continue to bring motor sport to new audiences around the world. Together with the other new events on the calendar in Santiago, Sao Paulo and Rome, I believe we have a very strong season of Formula E ahead of us.”
“The calendar for next season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet with four new venues – including Zurich,” added Alejandro Agag, founder & CEO of Formula E. “I’m thrilled that Formula E is bringing racing back to Switzerland for the first time in over 60 years. This wouldn’t have been possible without the core fundamentals of Formula E – driving the electric revolution and sustainable mobility. Following the recent law changes this race was also made possible with the instrumental support of our Swiss partner, Julius Baer. I would like to express our gratitude to their CEO, Boris Collardi, and his entire team for their continued belief in Formula E – we’ve again been able to break new grounds in the world of motorsport. In addition to Zurich, I’m delighted to return to Berlin, a city which has featured on the calendar since the beginning and has seen many passionate racing fans attend our event every year. Germany is a key market for Formula E with the influx of manufacturers joining the series, including Audi this year. I just can’t wait to get started!”
