Formula E is looking for a new venue for its planned July race in Brussels after the city authorities voted against hosting the event at Koekelberg due to local pressures.

Brussels was confirmed as a host city for Formula E last July, with a circuit in the Heysel area originally being promoted. The venue was then moved closer to the city centre ,with a layout designed around Elisabeth Park near the Koekelberg Basilica.

However, it seems that the regional government has voted against hosting the Formula E race at this location due to the disruption it would cause for locals and the need to close a major road link on a holiday weekend.

Minister for mobility Pascal Smet tweeted (translation): “Formula E can be in Brussels but not in Koekelberg. Too complicated. Agreement in principle to organise an ePrix in Brussels but not at Koekelberg.”

Formule E kan in Brussel maar niet in Koekelberg. Te gecompliceerd #eprix — Pascal Smet (@SmetPascal) January 26, 2017

Accord de principe pour l'organisation d'un grand prix de formule 1 électrique en Région Bxloise. Mais pas à Koekelberg. #eprix — Pascal Smet (@SmetPascal) January 26, 2017

A Formula E spokesperson told Current E: “The Brussels regional government has approved the race in principle, but this is subject to a finding suitable location in the time remaining. We have already received written confirmation from the minister of mobility that there is a firm commitment to make the race happen. FE is now considering its options.”

This news comes just days after officials in Berlin voted against hosting Formula E on Karl-Marx-Allee again in season three, with a return to the Tempelhof Airport on the outer reaches of the city being most likely.

The Brussels ePrix is due to take place on 1 July 2017.

Luke Smith