The Berlin ePrix will go ahead as planned on May 21 as Formula E officials reveal a new location in the German capital.

The race had been awaiting confirmation after last year’s venue, the famous Tempelhof airport, became home for more than 1000 refugees who have made the trek across Europe.

The new location takes the sport right into the centre of Berlin, and will see the cars drive the streets near Alexanderplatz. The 11-turn design consists mostly of straights, sweeping curves and hairpins and will measure a total distance of 1.26 miles.

Absolute final approval still needs to come from the FIA and Berlin city officials, however, series CEO Alejandro Agag was pleased at the new arrangement.

“It is fantastic news that we have been able to find a new location to race in Berlin,” he said.

“I want to thank everybody who has been involved in making this happen for all their hard work in such a short space of time.”

The confirmation of a race in Europe’s industrial powerhouse will also come at great delight to the Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport team who can enjoy a home race along with their driver Daniel Abt.

The new location highlights Formula E’s efforts on visiting the countries where electric vehicles will be most influential in the future. In the case of Germany that influence comes as a producer of such vehicles by the big automakers, as well the places where they will likely play a key role in addressing pollution issues such as Beijing.

The commitment to finding a new location in Berlin also highlights the importance the series sees in keeping a German race, particularly when many other cities are keen to join the schedule.

Enjoy a virtual look at the new Berlin ePrix venue in the video below: