Formula E signs LOI with Telangana

Hyderabad moves a step closer to hosting a future E-Prix.

Electric motorsport competition Formula E has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the state of Telangana, which will boost the state’s chances of hosting an ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in the future.

According to the LOI, Hyderabad has become an Official Candidate City, and the deal will see Formula E work with Telangana and Hyderabad to determine whether it is viable to host a Formula E race in the future.

Greenko, one of the country’s leading renewable energy firms, will work with Formula E to make sure the event can take place in Hyderabad. Greenko is headquartered in Hyderabad and strives toward delivering clean and affordable energy to help India’s long-term energy goals.

Speaking about the development, Alberto Longo, Formula E Co-founder and Chief Championship Officer, commented:

“We welcome Hyderabad and the State of Telangana’s interest in hosting a round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. With this letter of intent we can further explore the exciting potential of returning elite motorsport to India.

“Mahindra Racing has been a part of Formula E since our very first race and I encourage you all to tune in to Star Sports and show your support for the team in the opening rounds of Season 8 on 28 & 29 January.”

Dilbagh Gill, CEO of Mahindra Racing, spoke about the possibility of racing at home, stating:

“It has always been our burning desire to race in front of our fans and have a home race. We are now one big step closer to this dream. Formula E promotes electric mobility and renewable energy solutions, and it is the first global sport to be certified with a net-zero carbon footprint from inception. This would go a long way in creating a sustainable future. We are excited to be in Hyderabad.”

Sujai Karampuri, Director for Electronics and EV, added:

“We aim to have many EV companies set up shop in Telangana and our Minister has been pursuing hard to get the likes of Tesla here. Events like this would surely help us get global recognition.”

Ever since its inception in 2011, Formula E has become one of the most watched motorsport events; with a cumulative viewership of 500 million, it only looks to grow.

If Hyderabad does end up hosting a race, it will join a select group of cities that includes New York City, Monaco, Berlin, Paris, Beijing and Buenos Aires.

The signing of the LOI was also attended by Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development and Industries and Commerce, K T Rama Rao, who added:

“Hyderabad has always been a happening place and has a cosmopolitan crowd that has awareness and appetite for such marquee events. This shall be one of the flagship events for the State, putting Hyderabad on the global map, joining global cities such as Paris, Rome, London, Hong Kong, New York, Berlin, Monaco, a total of 18 cities. Our vision is to become the most electrified state in India, in terms of mobility, and events like this will surely enable us to achieve that goal.”

The eighth season of Formula E gets underway from January 28.