Formula E: Farewell to Donington Park, race track in Valencia becomes central logistics centre

Formula E will move into a permanent logistics centre at the Spanish racetrack as part of the modernisation of the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. From here, the racing series' materials will be transported to the E-Prix around the world. A new technological development centre for the racing series is also planned there. After more than ten years, Formula E is thus finally turning its back on its original base in Donington Park.

The electric series has big plans: test sessions with current, future and previous vehicle generations are to be held at the circuit, which is located around 20 kilometres west of Valencia city centre. In addition to the official pre-season tests, development drives with the new Gen4 cars, which will be used for the first time in 2026, are planned there. Guests will also be able to test drive older generations of electric racing cars on the track in future.

Formula E will use new, state-of-the-art office and storage facilities at the race track, which will be built as part of the modernisation of the circuit, which opened in 1999. However, the move to Spain will take place before then: The electric series will use a temporary facility next to the main entrance to the circuit as a logistics base until the new buildings are completed, and some office space will be rented for this purpose. After completion, the move to the new premises will take place.

The relocation of its central hub from the UK to the west of Spain will also improve the logistical efficiency and sustainability of the racing series: in collaboration with DHL, Formula E intends to prioritise the use of cargo ships powered by biofuels. The innovative fuels represent a further step towards greater environmental friendliness.

Longo: "Important step for the championship"

"This move to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit is an important step for the championship in maintaining the most sustainable freight routes possible while using it as a base for developing future generations of our race cars," said Alberto Longo, co-founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E. "Having a permanent centre at the circuit in Valencia will feel to me - and many at Formula E - like home."

"The Valencian Government is very happy to welcome the operational headquarters of Formula E to the Valencian Community," added Vicente Barrera, Vice-President of the Generalitat Valenciana. "Formula E is a brand that is linked to values ​​that we share of sustainability and technological advancement to reach a better future. We are looking forward to working together."

The race track has been used for the annual pre-season test drives since October 2017, after these were held at the circuit in Donington Park in the UK in the first few years of Formula E. The Circuit Ricardo Tormo also hosted the Valencia E-Prix once in the 2021 coronavirus season. Nyck de Vries (Mercedes) and Jake Dennis (BMW i Andretti) won the two races of the double-header, the only Formula E races in Spain to date.