"Speaking to a total of 106 cities" - Formula E co-founder Longo gives calendar updates on various countries

On the occasion of the announcement of the race calendar for the twelfth season, Formula E organised a media roundtable with Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo, in which e-Formula.news also took part. After answering questions about next season's calendar, the co-founder of the racing series also fielded questions about the future direction of the racing calendar. In addition to Italy, the aim is to return to Africa. Races in New Zealand and Australia are also under discussion.

The last time Formula E raced in Italy was in season 10, which took place in Misano. Asked what is currently preventing a return to Italy, Longo says: "The race in Misano didn't work out, if we're honest. I speak not only for myself, but also for the majority of the drivers. Rome is just a bit too narrow for the Gen3 Evo car. We continue to talk to other cities. Our DNA still remains to race in the heart of the biggest cities in the world. Apart from Milan and Rome, we have other possibilities, but it just takes time."

"I would always favour a street circuit," clarifies Longo. "We were born with this DNA. For me, however, the markets in which we race are more important than the venues themselves. The fact is that we have to return to Italy. If we can't find a suitable venue in a city centre and have to use a permanent track, we will. But the venue has to work. Therefore, it takes a bit of time to find the right place", Longo continued.

Another South American race "not our priority"

When asked whether Formula E would like to organise another race in South America after Brazil, Longo replied: "For us, it is important how the championship should grow. Another race in South or Central America would probably be ideal. The races in Mexico and Brazil will hopefully stay with us for longer. At some point we will add another race. At the moment, however, this is not our priority. Nevertheless, we are talking to at least five countries. We could possibly return to Argentina or Chile at some point or perhaps race in a new country."

Racing in Africa or other markets is also not a priority for Longo at the moment, but the Spaniard says: "We are talking to at least three countries in Africa. We are also talking to New Zealand and two cities in Australia. All these markets are in our pipeline. Cape Town was a big highlight in the past. We were even very close to going there again next year. But in the end we didn't have enough time. For the first year with the Gen4, however, I'm expecting a race in Africa. As far as Australia and New Zealand are concerned, however, I would say that the talks there are not yet that advanced."

According to Longo, Formula E is currently in talks with 106 cities. The aim of the series is to add one venue per year by 2030, so that by 2030 there would ultimately be 16 to 18 venues on the calendar, at which 22 to 24 races would be held. First of all, however, round 12 of the current season 11, which is slowly but surely coming to an end, is scheduled for Jakarta next week.