The Moscow ePrix will not take place this season after Formula E confirmed that it has been cancelled.
Rumours about the future of the event had been circulating for weeks, with delays coming from the Russian organisers concerning the paperwork for the race. According to a press release from Formula E, ‘recent and unforeseen circumstances related to road closures’ have meant that it is no longer possible for it to go ahead.
Since discovering that Moscow was no longer an option, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag had been attempting to find a last minute replacement. However after discussions with HSH Prince Albert II and the Automobile Club de Monaco about hosting a race in the Principality a week after the Formula 1 race, an agreement couldn’t be reached.
Alejandro Agag said, “While it is unfortunate news not to race in Moscow on June 4, we looked at a number of alternative options as a replacement but were not able to find a viable solution on that specific date. We explored all possibilities including returning to Monaco, but regrettably couldn’t organise the change of venue on such short notice.”
“I’d like to express my thanks to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Mr. Michel Boeri, and the Automobile Club de Monaco who did their utmost to see Formula E return to the streets of the Principality for season two. We will now focus on the three remaining races in Berlin and the double-header in London, which I’m sure will deliver a thrilling conclusion in the battle for the championship.”
It means that there are just three rounds left in the championship, the Berlin ePrix on May 21, and the London double header at the beginning of July. However the future of the Battersea Park race is also in doubt, after a local campaign group launched a legal challenge to the council’s decision to allow the park to be used as a race track.
The group have now raised two-thirds of the cost of the legal costs of the action through fundraising, and have managed to start a judicial review.
If any further races fail to go ahead it would almost guarantee the title for current championship leader Lucas di Grassi, who currently holds an eleven point lead over second placed Sebastien Buemi.
