Formula E have ended a 43 year spell of racing in London after the capital of the United Kingdom was confirmed to host two Formula E races this year. Battersea Park will take over the torch of motor racing in London from Crystal Palace, which last held a race in 1972.

London has had a rich history of motorsport. The Crystal Palace track was the venue for the first ever live motorsport event that was televised back in 1927. The track was used for a variety of motorsport categories from touring cars, to sports-cars and open wheel cars.

The Crystal Palace track, which is only four miles from the famous West End, has had its fair share of motorsports greats drive through the streets of London. It has seen World Champions such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill and James Hunt all race around the streets of Crystal Palace. In addition to these world champions there are also other famous motorsport icons who have driven round these forgotten streets such as Jackie Ickx and Jochen Rindt.

The return of racing in London will see a double header fixture on the weekend of Saturday 27th June and Sunday the 28th of June. This will bring the Formula E Championship up to 11 races for the season. After months of hard work Alejandro Agag was delighted that the London ePrix was finally confirmed.

“Discussions for our London Formula E race have been many months in the planning so we’re delighted to be awarded planning approval by Wandsworth Council. Our thanks must go to all the parties involved for their hardwork and co-operation, especially Mayor Boris Johnson, Wandsworth Council and the various stakeholder groups with interests in the location.

“Having two races in London – the final two of the season – was an option we discussed at length with Wandsworth Council and means that London could well be where the inaugural champion is crowned, making it a fantastic spectacle for the city and a great platform to showcase sustainable mobility and clean energy.” said Formula E’s CEO Alejandro Agag.

What made this event possible was that the law for motorsport events in the United Kingdom was lifted in July 2014. The hope was to allow the UK to show off its proud motorsports tradition. However, the law does permit that local authorities organising a motorsport event must contact the local residents before the planning permission is granted. This seemed to be the biggest obstacle in confirming the race for Formula E. Now that an agreement has finally been reached the Wandsworth council deputy leader was delighted that Formula E will have a double header at Battersea Park.

“Our great city now has another world-class event to add to its calendar. Formula E is an incredible racing spectacle and a showcase for zero emission electric motoring. This sport is changing attitudes to electric cars and I’m delighted Battersea Park will be the backdrop for the season finale.” said the Wandsworth council deputy leader.