After a lengthy search, Formula E has finally come to the decision that Misano will be Rome’s replacement and host the Italian double-header in season 10, as reported by The Race.
It was reported on Monday afternoon that the Circuit Marco Simoncelli will host Formula E’s annual double-header in Italy on the weekend of April 13/14, after the Italian capital was removed from the calendar supposedly following the safety concerns that arose at last season’s event.
At the season nine Rome double-header, the opening race of the weekend saw the biggest crash in the sport’s history take place on the exit of Turn 6, after Sam Bird’s car became unsettled over a bump before crashing. Bird’s car came to rest in the middle of the circuit at the exit of the blind corner, resulting in a multi-car smash which, thankfully, everybody walked away from unharmed.
Whilst safety concerns with Rome are an understandable reason for the venue being axed from the calendar, the drivers don’t buy into it, as they weren’t spoken to about how to improve the circuit’s safety.
According to The Race, Formula E did get a quote about how much it’d be to have Turn 6 reprofiled and made more visible; however, the work which would’ve needed to be done just wasn’t viable and was deemed as too disruptive to the EUR district.
Regardless of the reason for Rome’s departure, Misano has entered the picture. Situated on the Adriatic coast and best known for having hosted MotoGP since 1980, the purpose-built circuit was chosen by Formula E over Vallelunga, which is only 26 miles north of Rome.
Misano isn’t expected to become a permanent feature on the calendar, though, with the all-electric series already looking into where the Italian E-Prix could take place from season 11 and beyond.
It’s not just the arrival of Misano to the calendar which The Race have revealed, as they’ve also confirmed that Portland is set to become a double-header. This is dependant on the decision being approved next month by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Should it be approved as expected, then season 10 will feature 17 races, making it the biggest in the sport’s history.
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