Formula E is to return to racing on the streets of London next year with races that will feature a starting grid and finishing line indoors. The all-electric series will hold a meeting in the Docklands area on a circuit that will run on the waterfront and inside the ExCeL exhibition centre.

The weekend will feature a double-header of races which will be the finale of the 2019-20 season on 25-26 July 2020, the first in what they have described as a “multi-year agreement”.

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Formula E has made a point of promoting city centre races across the world, constructing unique circuits through city streets and the London race continues this policy. The 1.5-mile track, running in a clockwise direction with 23 corners, will start and finish inside the ExCel exhibition centre before making its way through the Royal Docks.

The series last hosted a race in London in 2016 when a circuit constructed in Battersea Park hosted the finale to its first two seasons. However, despite having an agreement in place to continue with the race, Formula E withdrew after persistent opposition from local residents. The Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag has however long been clear about his desire to return to racing in the capital.

“Every motor sport series would love to host an event in London – this has been our desire for quite some time now and we’re delighted to have found a new home in the Royal Docks at ExCeL London,” he said. “We have a growing base of knowledgeable and passionate fans in the UK, and this race adds to a fantastic summer of sport as a world-class event we hope Londoners can be proud of.

“Formula E coming back to the UK extends beyond pure racing excitement, it’s also a strong message for London to tackle inner-city air pollution by promoting clean technologies and electric sustainable mobility.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The drivers will navigate their way around a one-of-a-kind track. Photograph: ABB FIA Formula E

Formula E has proved to be increasingly popular with manufacturers in recent years because of the electric and battery technology used in the cars. Next season Porsche and Mercedes will join Audi, BMW, Citroen, Nissan and Jaguar on the grid.

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The series is in its fifth season, with a race in Hong Kong this weekend to be televised live on the BBC. Mahindra Racing’s Jerome d’Ambrosio leads the championship, with Britain’s Sam Bird in third place for Virgin Racing.

The race dates and track layout remain subject to the approval of the FIA world motor sport council.