Birmingham in advanced talks for Formula E race

Formula E sees staging a race in Britain as a priority and Birmingham is one of several options being considered, a spokesman for the all-electric series said on Tuesday.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street had earlier told British media that Birmingham was in advanced talks to host a race next year.

"Regarding an ePrix in the UK, we want to find the right venue for the long-term," the spokesman said. "We're currently evaluating a number of options and Birmingham is one of them."

A race in Britain's second largest city would bring back memories of the Birmingham Superprix, a Formula 3000 race that was held between 1986 and 1990.

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"Over the last year, we have been in negotiations with the organisers of the FIA Formula E Championship about bringing a road race to Birmingham, effectively reviving the Superprix," Street said.

"We are now in the advanced stages of these negotiations."

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Street said Birmingham, which will host the Commonwealth Games in 2022, wanted to showcase its revamped centre and also the region's position "as a world leader in next generation automotive technologies".

Jaguar Land Rover, which has its own Formula E team, is based in nearby Coventry.

"So much of the engineering that goes into the cars already used in Formula E racing comes from the West Midlands, it makes perfect sense we should be hosting such events," Street added.

"If we are successful in concluding the deal, this Formula E race will take place next summer on a route similar to the one used in the original Superprix."

The last Formula E race to be held in England was in London's Battersea Park in July, 2016 but that was discontinued after residents complained of disruption.

"The UK has a strong racing heritage and is an important market for Formula E, so it's a priority to bring the race back to British soil," the spokesman said.

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