Formula E cancels race in Hyd

The Formula E India race launched on the streets of Hyderabad last year will not have a second season. After uncertainty lasting a few months, Formula E announced on Saturday that it had cancelled the February 10 race, over alleged "breach of contract" by the Telangana government.

- Sandip Sikdar

"The cancellation comes following a decision by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD), under the control of the Government of Telangana, not to fulfil the Host City Agreement," a Formula E statement said. "Formula E Operations (FEO) has been left with no choice other than to formally give notice to MAUD that it is in breach of contract. FEO is considering its position and what steps it may take under the Host City Agreement and applicable laws."

Hyderabad hosted the first race in India on February 11 last year after the world's first electric FIA World Championship signed a four-year deal with the Telangana government and promoters Ace Nxt Gen. KT Rama Rao, IT minister in the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, played a key role it coming to fruition.

The race went ahead, though it wasn't without problems. Construction work and arrangements were completed just before the event and many drivers were left complaining. Formula E officials had played down the issues, putting it down to pangs of a first race.