Zurich has been removed from the Formula E 2018/19 calendar with the Swiss capital Bern favourite to take its place.
Zurich hosted Switzerland’s first motor race in over 60 years in 2018 in its inaugural Formula E race, but will not host a race in 2019 due a clash with other local events.
The race, due to take place on June 9 2019 would be weeks after Zurich’s Pride Festival, with the Zuri-Fascht festival which runs every three years also taking place in early July. Another major event in a short period of time was considered to be a burden to the local population.
A 2020 race is still being considered, but in an alternate location after the city took issue with the planning and construction of the 2018 race.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to find alternative dates that worked for both the city of Zurich and our calendar of events in 2019, but we remain in conversations for a potential return in 2020,” a Formula E spokesperson said on Autosport.
“The Zurich ePrix in June proved to be a huge success at both a national and international level, seeing great participation on all fronts from multiple stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and media alike.
“This has also sparked interest from other cities within the country and our promoter is leading a number of discussions to look at alternatives for this coming season.
“We’re currently evaluating the best option from a technical and commercial perspective.
“With Formula E bringing back motorsport to Switzerland after nearly six decades, we can only be proud of how well we’ve been received nationwide.”
Switzerland’s capital city of Bern is the current favourite to replace Zurich for the 2019 event, with the local mayor in favour of holding a race.
Confirmation of Zurich’s replacement on the 2018/19 calendar is expected at the World Motor Sport Council meeting in October.
