Major dilemma for Formula E ahead of Gen4 era: Will Tokyo be dropped from the race calendar in 2027?

Formula E will be travelling to Tokyo again in July for races 14 and 15 of the current world championship season. However, this could change for the coming season: At this stage, there is still no deal between the capital of Japan and Formula E for a race after 2026. Before the start of the Gen4 era, there are questions about the suitability of the current race track for the significantly faster electric cars as well as concerns about the financing of the event. If an agreement cannot be reached, there may be other options for Formula E to continue racing in Japan in the future.

It took ten years before Formula E came to Japan for the first time in 2024 to organise the first Tokyo E-Prix. Since then, the event has quickly developed a certain protected status - not least due to manufacturers such as Nissan and Lola's technical partner Yamaha, who are involved in the electric racing series. Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone, which will be the exclusive supplier of tyres to Formula E from the coming season, and Porsche partner TDK - both companies headquartered in Japan - are also insisting on a home race for 2027.

According to the colleagues at The Race, a deal for the event as it is currently on the calendar for 2027 is not yet a done deal: there are doubts as to whether the races can be held at the current location in the future. It is precisely because of the aforementioned parties that the racing series is prepared to do everything in its power to ensure that Japan remains on the calendar in 2027. For Formula E, it is considered the "holy grail" to race in Japan. Preferably in Tokyo, after trying for a long time to race in the largest city in the world.

Gen4 cars too fast for current track?

Since the first event in 2024, the races have been held at the Big Sight exhibition centre in the Ariake district. Ahead of the introduction of the Gen4 cars, questions are now being raised as to whether the new generation of Formula E racing cars is not too fast for the current track configuration. This is the fate of the track at the ExCeL exhibition centre in London, for example, which is expected to disappear from the Formula E calendar after the current season. Although both circuits are fundamentally similar, the first and third sectors in London have very tight corners, so there is practically no possibility of making any changes here. However, there is more room for manoeuvre at the exhibition centre in Tokyo.

"This is what we're trying at the moment: to modify, to enlarge it a little bit, and to widen up certain areas," says Alberto Longo, Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, at The Race. "But even if not, the simulation is telling us that it is suitable, so even if we don't change it, we could be racing there."

Longo: "I am not convinced that Tokyo is unsuitable"

"I have said multiple times that that particular venue in the ExCeL is not suitable for the Gen4 period. Tokyo, I'm not so convinced. We're still working on it, and hopefully we will be there," the Formula E co-founder continued.

However, it is not only the track itself that raises questions about the future of the Tokyo E-Prix. Another issue is the financing of the event: although the Tokyo Metropolitan Government contributes to the financing of the event, the majority of the costs will still be borne by Formula E. The costs are estimated at around 20 to 22 million euros. Only a small proportion of this is offset by commercial revenue. Formula E is therefore currently making a huge loss with the race in Tokyo, which is why it is desperately looking for a partner who can take on the high costs. So what options does Formula E have if no deal with Tokyo materialises?

Sportsland Sugo or Fuji Speedway as a replacement?

One option would be Sportsland Sugo. The racetrack is located north of Fukushima in Miyagi Prefecture, around four hours' drive from Tokyo. It is owned by Yamaha and is characterised by its dreaded bends and relatively few run-off areas. It is the Japanese equivalent of Jarama, so to speak. Super Formula races have been held here since 1987. As The Race has now learnt, talks with the circuit are at an early stage. Sugo could be available as a replacement if there is no agreement with Tokyo for the future.

The well-known Fuji Speedway is also rumoured to be interested in hosting a Formula E race. The new Gen4 cars could cause a stir there, especially on the start-finish straight, thanks to their acceleration and top speed. However, a temporary chicane would probably have to be installed to interrupt the approach to turn 1. The Fuji Speedway is probably best known in this country for the Formula 1 races in the 2000s. The World Endurance Championship organises the annual Six Hours of Fuji here, and the Super Formula also makes a guest appearance. The circuit is owned by Toyota, which is also a stakeholder and technical partner of Yamaha.

There will be no clarity about the Tokyo E-Prix until June at the earliest: That is when the FIA World Motor Sport Council will decide on the first draft calendar for the 2026/27 season. Another option is that the date will still be listed without a venue and an announcement will be made later.