This weekend marks the first ever Formula E race in London and city major Boris Johnson says he’s willing to look at hosting a Formula 1 street race in future.
Johnson took part in a promotional event on Friday by driving two laps of the Battersea Park FE circuit. He seemed impressed by the event, but not by the speed.
“It certainly is fast but I’ve gone faster! It’s a wonderful venue for London and I congratulate Alejandro [Agag] and everyone at Formula E on what they’ve done.
“Wandsworth [borough council] have played a blinder getting it here in Battersea Park and let’s make sure we have it every year!”
When asked if hosting an F1 event was a possibility, Johnson said he was “positive” provided certain conditions such as noise and air pollution can be controlled.
“I am certainly willing to look at it,” said the 51-year-old on Friday. “I am always interested in projects that attract jobs and bring growth.
“The question of air quality and noise impact will have to be looked at. I am broadly positive providing we can satisfy the air quality and noise issues.”
It’s a life-long dream of Bernie Ecclestone’s to see a race on the street’s on London, to the extent that he has offered to cover much of the cost himself.
However it would face numerous hurdles which would be difficult to overcome.
