Formula E’s plans to host a new ePrix in Thailand appear to have been dealt a significant blow.
Formula E are looking to expand their horizons and branch out into new countries, promoting the importance of sustainability and electric vehicles.
The calendar for Season 11 has yet to be fully complete, with there being one event to confirm for the March 8 spot.
It has been suggested that a new race in Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand would be set to fill that gap in the calendar.
But according to a report by The Race, these plans may soon be about to collapse amid changes in political power in the nation.
Formula E looking to ‘salvage’ Thailand ePrix
Formula E have not publicly disclosed the event at all, which is believed to be ‘part of its strategy’ to avoid a similar situation to what happened last year with the cancellation of the Hyderabad ePrix.
CEO Jeff Dodds had a meeting with Thailand’s then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin last March. Race makers had visited Chiang Mai in May and June and plotted out the map for the track.
But after a change in power in the country, these plans to host a race in the country now look significantly unlikely, leaving Formula E scrambling to replace the event on the calendar.
FE now find themselves in a situation where they have to fill out a nine-week gap in the calendar, which could see a possible rejig of the order or one event being bumped up to a double-header.
According to The Race’s report, FE’s bosses are not giving up on Chiang Mai just yet. It is understood that ‘considerable efforts’ are being made to ‘salvage’ the event, even through discussions with the Thai government.
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Season 11 will be the first year of the Gen3 Evo car
Season 11 will see the introduction of the Gen3 Evo car, the most technologically advanced car in FE history.
The new era of machines will be the fastest car in FE history and will be the fastest accelerating car in a championship run by the FIA.
Several driver changes have happened ahead of the 2024/25 season as only a few spots remain on the grid for next year.
Pascal Wehrlein won the Season 10 title over Mitch Evans by six points and the German will be looking to defend his crown.