Formula E will return to Berlin this season – but not to Tempelhof Airport. Instead, the race gets a shiny new home on 21 May in the heart of the city itself.

A new 2.03km track (which looks a little like a sketch for a ray gun, a hairdryer or Daffy Duck, depending on your point of view), loops around 11 turns. Several straight line sections linked variously to sweeping curves, tight corners and a chicane could make for good overtaking.

The German round of the second season had looked under threat when the airport was requisitioned to house hundreds of refugees. Replacement options considered had included the Norisring track or even a lock, stock and barrel move to Munich. With a German team (ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport), German sponsors (DHL and BMW) and German drivers (Nick Heidfeld and Daniel Abt), it was important for the sport to retain a presence in the country.

While the track remains subject to approval by the FIA and city authorities, the effort expended in getting to this stage (and the fact that tickets are on sale now) signals that all parties expect a green light shortly.