Bethonie WaringSouth Korea is set to join the Formula E calendar for the 2019-20 season after series CEO Alejandro Agag reached an agreement with race promoter JSM Holdings.
Korean capital Seoul is the prime candidate to host the country’s first E-Prix, with JSM Holdings stating plans to bring electric racing to the city centre by 2020.
The race would be part of a push to develop electric vehicle technology and attract tourists from nearby China and Japan.
“I’m extremely excited about the prospect of brining Formula E to Seoul and this news is a great first step in the right direction,” said Agag.
“Korea, and Seoul in particular, is an ideal venue to host an E-Prix and showcase the best that electric racing host to offer.
“Korea is at the forefront of future-facing developments, leading the way with cutting-edge innovations and recognised as a global trend-setter in the automotive and technology sectors – synergies shared with the overarching vision and concept of the ABB FIA Formula E championship.”
The first race is likely to be part of the 2019-20 season as part of a five year agreement, but still needs approval from local authorities and the FIA World Motorsport Council before it can confirm its place on the calendar.
Elsewhere in the region, a bid for the New Zealand city of Auckland to host a race has received support from former Formula 1 racer Mark Webber.
[…] and Paris events take place in April ahead of the only new country confirmed for the 2019-2020 season, Seoul. Then it’s back to Europe for the Berlin Eprix at the end of May before the New York Eprix, […]