Formula E returns to London for 2019/20 season

©FormulaE

The ABB FIA Formula E championship will return to London next year, with a double-header race set to take place around the city's Royal Docks which will conclude the 2019/20 season.

The event, sealed by FE with a multi-year agreement, will mark the return of FE to the UK capital after the success of the London E-Prix which took place in the surrounds of Battersea Park in 2015 and 2016.

The venue of choice will consist of a 2.4km 23-corner circuit set around the city's Docklands and ExCel London centre, with drivers racing their way through a one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor section and along the Thames waterfront.

'Racing purists' Red Bull indifferent to 'slow' Formula E

"I’m extremely excited to be bringing the ABB FIA Formula E Championship and electric racing back to the UK," said FE CEO Alejandro Agag.

"Every motorsport 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.

"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."

©FormulaE

Formula E's season finale double-header is scheduled for July 25/26 2020 - subject to circuit homologation and approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

To bring FE back to London, Agag worked in association with David Richards, chairman of the UK's governing body, Motorsport UK.

"I’m absolutely delighted to see the return of Formula E to London," said Richards.

"This innovative race series will be welcomed by fans throughout the country."

Signed as part of a multi-year agreement, the ExCeL will be the new home of Formula E in the UK, marking the return of unrivalled inner-city racing and entertainment in the heart of London.

"It’s an honour to welcome the world’s first ever indoor and outdoor race to ExCeL London and the Royal Docks," said Jeremy Rees, CEO, ExCeL London.

"Events at ExCeL are thriving and London provides the perfect backdrop to host global entertainment brands, such as Formula E.

"We look forward to working closely with Formula E to showcase the versatility of our venue, creating a truly unique experience for teams, drivers and spectators.

"Hosting this event, is also closely aligned with our vision to create a more sustainable venue, in the heart of one of the most exciting destinations and best connected cities in the world."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.