As Formula E gears up for its second successive year racing in Tokyo, it has emerged that the all-electric championship is keen to race in the Japanese capital at night.
The city closed its streets for a non-partisan sporting event for the first time in its history last year, and the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix was deemed a huge success for all parties.
So much so, that the race has returned to the Season 11 calendar, and in the form of a double-header, further enhancing Formula E’s reputation for making good relations with new cities.
The championship is looking to step it up this time, with the Japanese arm of Motorsport.com reporting that CEO Jeff Dodds is interested in making it a nighttime race.
Whilst it is not yet confirmed that Tokyo will return in Season 12, Dodds is firstly seeking to secure its future.
“That is the plan at the moment,” said Dodds, when asked if he wants to keep the city in its schedule. “Our series is in its 10th year and we want to put our circuits in the most emblematic cities in the world.
“This year, for example, Mexico City, Sao Paulo…… Saudi Arabia has moved to Jeddah. Berlin, London, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo…… these are the biggest cities in the world.”
“If we are going to race in Japan, I think we should put our passion into organising races in Tokyo.”
“I worked for Honda for a number of years, so I know Tokyo well, but historically this is an iconic neon city. If you ask someone who has never been to Tokyo to imagine Tokyo, they will imagine neon lights and night life.”
“It’s clear that holding a night race would be more complicated, as the circuit would need to be perfectly lit. But it would be really cool to have a night race in Tokyo.”
Tokyo night race another potential sting to the Formula E bow
A man of irrepressible optimism and positivity, Dodds would add a stunning spectacle to the Formula E calendar if a night race in Tokyo could be pulled-off.
This comes amid rumours that the championship is also looking to add Spain to its calendar for next year and beyond, with a race at Circuito del Jarama mooted for next season, as a stopgap before a potential street race at Montjuic Park, near Barcelona.
Potential switches to Brands Hatch and Silverstone mooted for its post-London race in the UK, and a return to Cape Town is also on the agenda.
Motorsport Week will provide a full analysis of its potential new locations, as well as a feature on the benefit of a Montjuic Park race, in the coming weeks.
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