Berlin ePrix organisers announce a new central layout for their race this season

It has been announced this afternoon that the Berlin ePrix will take place on a new bespoke track in the heart of the German capital on May 21.

With the new 2.030km circuit, which remains subject to approval from the Berlin city authorities and also the FIA track homologation process, will feature 11 turns and wind its way around Strausberger Platz and towards Alexanderplatz with the pitlane on Karl-Marx-Allee. All relevant parties are working hard on the approval of the new location so the event will take place in Berlin in 2016.

In an statement to the media today, Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said the following about the new circuit and location in Berlin as follows:-

“It is fantastic news that we have been able to find a new location to race in Berlin and I want to thank everybody who has been involved in making this happen for all their hard work in such a short space of time. Germany is an incredibly important market for Formula E as the home of DHL, the championship's Official Logistics Partner, and BMW i, the Official Vehicle Partner of the series. I am sure that this race will capture the imagination of the German fans and be a great success.”

In his own statement to the media today, Jean Todt, President of the FIA, believes that the new location for the Berlin ePrix fits the requirements that they wanted to meet when launching Formula E last season. Todt stated the following:-

“The FIA Formula E Championship was created to promote the theme of a new form of sustainable mobility, alongside the development of technologies linked to an electrical powertrain; all this combining to bring a racing event into the heart of the great cities of the world.

“The new location for the Berlin ePrix fits these requirements perfectly. Berlin is one of the most important capital cities in the world, the cultural and political centre of Germany, a country where the motor industry plays a very important role and where there is a particularly keen awareness of mobility for the future. I am sure that Formula E Holdings, with the ever-valuable cooperation of the DMSB, will be able to put on a show for the spectators that is a match for the allure of a city like Berlin.'

When asked his thoughts about the new location of the Berlin ePrix, Daniel Abt who drives for the Abt Schaeffle had nothing but praise for the city and circuit especially given the fact that it is his home race. Abt said the following:-

“Congratulations! Formula E hasn't only come up with a tremendous alternative location in Berlin but created a circuit with a lot of character. The configuration looks interesting and, with its long straights and hairpin turns, seems to be promising a thrilling race as well.

“When we were in Berlin last time we visited a restaurant and a bar near Alexanderplatz – and now we're going to race in exactly this part of the city. Now that the circuit has been announced, I'm even more excited about my home round.”

What do you guys think of the circuit? At the moment, I am not sure about the new location but I feel Turns 6-9 will be interesting to see how the drivers and the cars unite in order to get around as fast as possible.

But if you want to see the Berlin ePrix for yourself, tickets for round eight of the FIA Formula E Championship are now on sale with prices starting from 20 Euros. Discounted early bird offers are available for all tickets purchased before April 29.

To buy tickets for the Berlin ePrix click here:- http://www.ticketmaster.de/event/fia-formel-e-berlin-eprix-2016-tickets/167411

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa