Despite being voted by fans as the E-Prix of 2023, Cape Town has not been confirmed for the 2024 calendar of the electric racing series. We have the reason why.
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Despite a crowd brimmed to capacity and being voted the E-Prix of 2023 in a fan poll, Cape Town is off of the calendar for next year. Regardless of the news, Iain Banner, Chairman of Formula E Cape Town mentioned that the Mother City remains positive of a return for 2025 after talks for a multi-year deal had local affiliates hopeful for an immediate return.
The current calendar for the 2024 season is comprised of the following cities:
- 23-27 October 2024 testing – Valencia, Spain
- 13 January 2024 – Mexico City, Mexico
- 26-27 January 2024 – Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
- 10 February 2024 – Hyderabad, India
- 16 March 2024 – São Paulo, Brazil
- 30 March 2024 – Tokyo, Japan
- 13-14 April 2024 – TBD, Italy
- 27 April 2024 – Monaco, Monaco
- 11-12 May 2024 – Berlin, Germany
- 25-26 May 2024 – Shanghai, China
- 29 June 2024 – Portland, United States
- 20-21 July 2024 – London, Great Britain
With the track completed and no major infrastructure requirements needed to host a sequel to the 2023 Cape Town E-Prix, answers to why the South African city was not chosen have arisen. With the current exchange rate, Euro or Dollar funding would actually prove to be lucrative in terms of profit for organisers.
The short answer, provided to CAR Magazine by a reliable source affiliated with the event has stated that the cash required to host the race series from the FIA was simply out of reach locally. The first event was hosted at a ‘discounted’ rate on condition the Cape Town E-Prix could meet the financial criteria for the 2024 season, which was not feasible.
Keeping in mind the popularity of the race around the Mother City with fans and the entertainment value displayed, this news will be met with disappointment considering the FIA is prioritising funding over crowd attendance and enthusiasm.
