Formula E confirms search for new London venue for 2017
The FIA Formula E championship has confirmed to Wandsworth Council this year's races at Battersea Park will be its last as the series begins its search for a new venue.
Battersea Park hosted the inaugural Formula E championship finale last year when Nelson Piquet Jr clinched a dramatic world title and the South-West London park is set to welcome Formula E again in July for the final two races of the 2015-16 season.
However, Wandsworth Council has confirmed it will be the last time the all-electric series returns to the venue as it searches for a street venue in the British capital.
Councillor Jonathan Cook has released a statement which states Wandsworth Council will receive ?2.85m in a compensation settlment for 'loss of income for the area'. The event came under huge pressure last year from local activists against the racing series disrupting the local green space.
"Formula E has notified us that they will be holding their final races in Battersea Park this summer and that from 2017 onwards they will be seeking alternative locations," councillor Cook said. "Our understanding is that this now includes the possibility of a street circuit in central London, which has always been their preferred option but was not previously possible.
"As a result we have secured a financial agreement with Formula E which includes a compensation package for loss of income in 2017. This means that the total amount the council will receive from Formula E for staging these racing events in the park has reached ?2.85m.
"I am proud it was this council that brought such a prestigious global event to London and I look forward to July's races which will be enjoyed by thousands of Londoners and Wandsworth residents alike. This council will continue to make sure that Battersea and all our other parks are used in ways which can benefit all our residents."
Heading into the final round of the 2015-16 season di Grassi leads the Formula E drivers' championship by a single point from Sebastien Buemi with Battersea Park hosting the finale double header on the 2-3 July.
