Formula E took another step towards holding a Formula ePrix in Rome next season after the city’s local authority gave permission for a race to be held there.
The series had already carried out a feasibility study for a proposed track just south of the city centre, but needed final approval before a race could be confirmed.
This was given today as the final permits were signed off by local politicians.
The approval lasts for five years, and means that Rome could be included in next season’s calendar.
It will be the first time the Italian capital has appeared on the calendar since the inaugural season, when it was eventually dropped.
Speaking to motorsport.com, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said that he was looking forward to returning Formula E to Rome after running the original series car near the Colosseum five years ago.
He said, “The prospect of Rome hosting an ePrix is an exciting one – especially as that’s where the first concept of the original Formula E car ran on the streets past the Colosseum only five years ago.
“We are grateful to the city of Rome to grant the required permits, and now we are one step closer to bringing electric street racing to the capital of Italy – a country with strong culture and deep roots in motorsport.
“We are continuing to assess the possible inclusion of Rome on next year’s calendar in spring 2018, and I’m sure Rome can assert itself as a flagship event along with the likes of Hong Kong, Montreal, Paris and New York.”