July's planned Formula E race in Brussels has been thrown into doubt following reports in Belgium that the city's government has voted against hosting the all-electric series this summer.
Brussels was listed on Formula E's season three calendar last July, taking a July 1 date slot as the final European round of the season.
Two layouts have been released for Brussels, with the updated version issued in December signalling that the track would move closer to the city centre around Elisabeth Park and the Koekelberg Basilica.
However, reports in Belgium on Thursday claimed that city officials have voted against holding the race in the Koekelberg area due to disruption that it would cause for locals, with one of the city's major tunnels needing to be closed.
The local media reports note that the race could be moved to the Heysel area, where it was initially set to take place. Minister of mobility Pascal Smet tweeted that there was an agreement in principle to hold the race in Brussels but not the Koekelberg area.
"Formula E can be in Brussles but not in Koekelberg," Smet tweeted. "Too complicated. Agreement in principle to organise an ePrix in Brussels but not at Koekelberg."
Formule E kan in Brussel maar niet in Koekelberg. Te gecompliceerd #eprix
— Pascal Smet (@SmetPascal) January 26, 2017
Accord de principe pour l'organisation d'un grand prix de formule 1 électrique en Région Bxloise. Mais pas à Koekelberg. #eprix
— Pascal Smet (@SmetPascal) January 26, 2017
"I'm obviously not very happy," race organiser Stephan Uhoda told DHBE.net. "I prefer to make no further comment at this time and take a step back. First I want to see how the leaders of the Formula E will react."
The report from DHBE.net notes that while the race could still go ahead in 2017, a postponement until 2018 seems more likely for the Brussels ePrix.
"The Brussels regional government has approved the race in principle, but this is subject to a finding suitable location in the time remaining," a spokesperson from Formula E told Motorsport Week.
"We have already received written confirmation from the minister of mobility that there is a firm commitment to make the race happen. FE is now considering its options."
