Formula E bows out of Hyderabad, blames Telangana Government
The cancellation comes following a decision by the MAUD, under the control of the Government of Telangana, not to fulfil the Host City Agreement signed on October 30, 2023, said Formula E
HYDERABAD: Formula E has announced its decision to cancel its Hyderabad edition of the Season 10 race scheduled on February 10, 2024.
"The cancellation comes following a decision by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD), under the control of the Government of Telangana, not to fulfil the Host City Agreement signed on October 30, 2023.
Formula E Operations (FEO) has been left with no choice other than to formally give notice to MAUD that it is in breach of contract. FEO is considering its position and what steps it may take under the Host City Agreement and applicable laws. All of FEO’s rights in that regard are reserved," said a release by Formula E.
The Hyderabad E-Prix would have been the only official FIA World Championship event in India in 2024 and was part of a multi-year agreement between Formula E and the Government of Telangana.
Other host cities confirmed on the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar for Season 10 include Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, Monaco and London. The season begins on January 13, with the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix.
Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer, Formula E, said, "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. Unfortunately, the decision of the Government of Telangana means that will not happen."
Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said, “It is deeply frustrating that we cannot build on the success of the inaugural race last year, which delivered almost $ 84 million in positive economic impact to the region. We are also disappointed for our major Indian partners, particularly Mahindra and Tata Communications. Racing in Hyderabad was important to showcase the benefits of adopting electric vehicles in a market where pollution from vehicle engines has a massive impact on public health and the environment.”