Lucas di Grassi has called on the FIA to see sense and prevent the clash between Formula E and WEC races that is due to happen in July next year.
The WEC recently published their provisional calendar and it included a round at the Nurburgring on the 16th of July.
However this is the same weekend that the Montreal ePrix double header is due to take place, and goes against an understanding that had seen both series deliberately avoid clashes in their race calendars.
Di Grassi, who currently races for Audi in WEC and Abt Schaeffler Audi in Formula E, believes that if the situation is not resolved it could lead to a “horrible decision” for drivers who have commitments in both series.
“Imagine the situation where you have a bad beginning of the WEC season and you’re fighting for the FE championship,” he told Autosport.
“I will then have to discuss with Audi what is the priority. Is it to fight for the championship or to do a WEC round that you could do with two drivers?”
“At the moment it’s not very clear what to do because Montreal is a double header.”
He is however optimistic that a solution can be found, given the number of other weekends available.
“It caught a lot of people out. There must be a way of making the races not clash.
“We’re only talking about 20 weekends, it’s a lot but there’s still room to avoid clashes. We’ll try to push the organisers and the FIA to find a solution.
“There are some constraints for local promoters and sponsors, it’s a complex decision. It’s in the best interests of everyone that we have the best drivers in both. It’s difficult, but possible.”
The clash in the calendar would have major repercussions if was not resolved.
In addition to di Grassi, there are nine drivers who are expected to be on the Formula E grid next season who would be looking to balance their drive with WEC.
These include current champion Sebastien Buemi, his Renault e.dams team mate Nico Prost, and DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird.
Both Mahindra Racing drivers, Nick Heidfeld and Bruno Senna would also be looking to take part in WEC, along with Stephane Sarrazin, Loic Duval, Mike Conway, and season one champion Nelson Piquet Jnr.
