Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has confirmed that the series is considering adding another race in the United States in addition to the Portland E-Prix. There have been rumors that the all-electric open-wheel series could race in Los Angeles. Formula E has had a consistent presence in the U.S. since its first season, with previous races in Miami, Long Beach, and New York. Portland held its first race last year. Mexico has also been a regular fixture since 2016, and Canada held a race in Montreal in 2017. Now, there is talk of adding another race in North America, specifically in Los Angeles, alongside the Portland and Mexico City races.
Dodds believes that the North American market, particularly the USA, can support another race. He expressed his desire to have two races going forward and mentioned that there are plenty of exciting cities to race in. There have been rumors about a potential race in Los Angeles, and Dodds believes it would be an incredible venue due to California’s focus on sustainability and environmental issues. He sees North America as a very big market with space for more than one race, and he would like to expand Formula E’s footprint in the region. He believes that Los Angeles is one of the few venues that would do an amazing job hosting a Formula E race.
Dodds also discussed calendar expansion and compared Formula E to Formula 1. He personally thinks that the Formula 1 season is too long and puts a strain on staff and participants. While he believes there is some room for Formula E to grow from its current 16 races, technical limitations, such as battery restrictions, would prevent the series from adding too many races. However, as the series progresses from Generation 3 to Generation 4, there will be more flexibility to add races to the calendar. Dodds’s instinct is to continue growing the number of races, but he believes that 18-20 races would be the maximum for a season.
Unlike Extreme E, Formula E is unlikely to make every event a doubleheader. While it may be cost-effective, it would increase the impact on cities and limit the championship’s ability to sell out events. Dodds explained that it would be challenging to keep roads closed for an additional day in some cities, and selling out a doubleheader in certain locations could be more difficult. The goal is to have exciting races with a full stadium of fans, so doubleheaders are only considered where appropriate and feasible.
According to the Source racer.com