Formula E eyes first race in Australia as Jeff Dodds reveals talks over street circuits

Formula E could race in Australia for the first time in the future. CEO Jeff Dodds has confirmed discussions about potential street circuits and sees new opportunities following the arrival of Australian-owned team Fortescue Zero. He also points to Fortescue founder Andrew Forrest's connections in Perth. However, the country's geographical distance presents significant logistical challenges for the championship.

"We would love to race in Australia," Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds told Australian news outlet news.com.au. "When you look at the Melbourne Grand Prix, you see how many people go and watch. So we know it will be a very strong, passionate fan base."

With Australian company Fortescue acquiring the former DS Penske team, Formula E will have its first Australian-owned team. This could also improve the prospects of bringing a race Down Under. "Our connections are obviously better now with Fortescue coming in," Dodds explained. "Now that they're on board, [Andrew Forrest] will certainly have an interest in us racing in Australia."

Formula E exploring street circuits in Australia

Initial discussions have focused on street circuits, suggesting Formula E would remain true to its original concept of racing in the heart of major cities. "The initial conversations we've had have been about building circuits in city centres," Dodds said. "I think Australia could be super cool to do that."

Perth could also play a role. "I'm guessing Andrew's quite well connected in Perth," Dodds said, referring to Fortescue founder Andrew Forrest.

"Candidly, the only real challenge for us is it's such a long way away," Dodds explained. "We have to be really conscious about our travel schedule, our logistics. We're a fully sustainable business, but we definitely have an ambition to be there at some point."

Australia is the only inhabited continent on which Formula E has yet to hold a race. In Africa, the championship has previously raced in Marrakesh and Cape Town, while Asia, Europe, North America and South America were all represented on the calendar during its inaugural season.

Fortescue Zero: Australian race would be "logical"

Jim Wright, team principal of Fortescue Zero Racing, also believes that an Australian race would make sense. He points to the arrival of his Australian-owned team and the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the domestic market. "Put all that together, it would be logical to have a race. The timing seems right."

According to Wright, Fortescue Zero Racing has applied for a racing licence with Motorsport Australia. A victory for the Australian team would therefore carry particular significance for him. "When we win, we will have an Australian flag displayed on the podium and the national anthem of Australia will play," Wright said. "That will be a very proud moment for Fortescue."

Formula E confirmed talks with 2 Australian cities back in 2025

The idea of holding an E-Prix in this part of the world is nothing new. Formula E is looking to expand its calendar to include more host cities in the future. "We are also talking to New Zealand and two cities in Australia," Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo said last year during a media roundtable attended by e-Formula.news. He added that the discussions with Australia and New Zealand were not particularly advanced at the time, but that all these markets were on Formula E's list of potential future race destinations.

It remains unclear whether Perth was one of the two cities Formula E was already in discussions with last year. No concrete timetable for a race in Australia has been announced either.