Media report: Feasibility study commissioned for Formula E race in Manila

Is Formula E expanding its Asian part of the racing calendar? According to a report by The Philippine Star, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), a government agency in the Philippine capital Manila, is working on organising a Formula E race. A feasibility study is to be carried out shortly, as announced at a meeting of the Metro Manila Council.

Together with foreign investors, Formula E is to be brought to the island state in South East Asia in the future, the newspaper reports further. This would further expand Formula E's presence in the Asian region: In the coming season, the electric racing series will race in Jakarta, Shanghai and Tokyo in addition to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia, replacing Diriyah).

A planned race in Thailand could be added - Chiang Mai has long been considered the favourite for the vacant slot in March 2025. In the past, there have already been races in Putrajaya (Malaysia) and Seoul (South Korea), as well as in the Chinese cities of Hong Kong, Beijing and Sanya.

Manila E-Prix "at no cost to the government" planned

A possible race in Manila is to be organised "at no cost to the government" and boost tourism and the economy in Manila, according to Romando Artes, chairman of the MMDA. However, there are currently no further details about a Manila E-Prix. The government agency, which now has to draw up a list of potentially usable roads, has concluded a non-disclosure agreement with the investors.

Foreign investors are interested to have Metro Manila host in the future a grand prix that would feature race cars powered by electricity, revealed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). https://t.co/dOdOW7d6kJ pic.twitter.com/1BiitSOA9Q

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) September 15, 2024

The realisation of the race for the coming season is more than unlikely due to the short notice. For example, Formula E and the city of Tokyo signed a deed of intent to hold the Tokyo E-Prix in October 2022, but the first race in the Japanese capital did not take place until 30 March 2024.

It can therefore be assumed that the Manila E-Prix cannot be held before spring 2026, i.e. in season 12 at the earliest. The race calendar for season 12 is expected to be announced in June next year.