Formula E race for Adelaide too expensive, says State Government

ADELAIDE’S chance to host an international electric car street race as early as next year has stalled with the State Government damning the event too expensive.

• Plans to lure Formula E electric car racing to Adelaide
• Push to host world leg of Formula E championships gathers pace

ADELAIDE’S chance to host an international electric car street race as early as next year has stalled with the State Government damning the event too expensive.

Whyalla steelworks saviour Sanjeev Gupta, tech entrepreneur Valdis Dunis, and the Australian Electric Vehicle Association were driving a bid to bring Formula E to Adelaide’s city circuit.

Independent Senator Tim Storer last month sought the support of Premier Steven Marshall.

But the Government has ruled it “not currently feasible” due to the level of investment and interest in the event.

“Should the situation change in the future such that it becomes viable from a cost/benefit perspective, the government will be happy to further investigate the opportunity,” Acting Premier Vickie Chapman wrote.

A Formula E race in Zurich in July. Picture: Sam Bloxham/Jaguar Panasonic Racing via Getty

Senator Storer has since met with Formula E’s head of partnerships, David Warren, who suggested a $160,000 feasibility study — which could include an option to combine the Formula E with the Adelaide 500 — who has proposed sharing the cost between the city council and State Government.

An Adelaide City Council spokesman said council has also had discussions with Formula E and the State Government but had not made any commitment.

Senator Storer said he would now write to federal ministers to gain their support, and in a letter to state Tourism Minister David Ridgway this week encouraged him to accept the proposal.

“We should act quickly to cement Adelaide as a mainstay in the Asian-Pacific segment of the competition, before another city beats us,” he wrote.

“Formula E race cars are much quieter than their Formula One equivalents and do not

produce any tailpipe emissions.

“The tourism and reputational benefits would be substantial, but just as important is the

alignment with advanced manufacturing in SA and the development of electric vehicles.”

Originally published as Formula E race for Adelaide too expensive, says State Government