Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has firmly rejected the prospect of adding the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to the calendar for the 2027 season, although he has not completely excluded the possibility for 2028 and subsequently. This decision comes amidst recent discussions with teams regarding the potential inclusion of a race in Barcelona.
As the Formula E championship continues to evolve, the announcement from Dodds highlights the ongoing strategic considerations within the series. The information was initially surfaced by German outlet e-formel.de, drawing attention to a possible race in Barcelona set for April of next year.
Jeff Dodds Clarifies Barcelona’s 2027 Status
Dodds confirmed to media that while conversations regarding a race in Barcelona occurred, the chances of it being included in the locked schedule for the Gen4 season are exceedingly low. He stated, “Barcelona won’t make its way onto the calendar for next season,” despite positive feedback from stakeholders.
Potential Future for Barcelona in Formula E
While 2027 is off the table, Dodds indicated that Barcelona remains an appealing option for future seasons. It could potentially feature in 2028, the second year of the Gen4 era, potentially alongside the existing Madrid venue, which has delivered strong performances for the championship.
Madrid’s Thriving Role in Formula E
Although Barcelona is no longer in contention for the upcoming season, Formula E’s ongoing success in Madrid cannot be overlooked. The Spanish capital hosted a successful debut event earlier this year, and Dodds hinted that, due to its positive reception, Madrid will continue to be a key location for the series.
The Challenges Ahead for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Barcelona faces a challenging 2024 calendar, particularly as it will not host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Currently tied to a rotational agreement for Formula 1 participation in 2028, 2030, and 2032, the circuit is keen to maintain its relevance in motorsport despite not featuring prominently in upcoming events.
The SportiveNews view
Dodds’ comments reflect a cautious but optimistic outlook for Barcelona’s potential future in Formula E. The decision not to include the circuit in 2027 signifies a strategic move to focus resources and promotional efforts on established venues like Madrid. This could ultimately strengthen the overall competitive landscape of Formula E, particularly in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Barcelona race proposal for 2027 rejected?
Jeff Dodds confirmed that discussions had taken place regarding a potential race in Barcelona, but ultimately stated there is a “1% chance” it would be featured on the schedule for next season.
What are the implications for Formula E in Spain?
Despite Barcelona being ruled out for 2027, Dodds expressed optimism for its inclusion in future seasons, potentially in 2028. He noted that Madrid remains a successful location and will continue to host Formula E events in the immediate future.
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