Fresh 'concerns' emerge over Formula E race in Hyderabad after change of guard in Telangana

Formula E has raised fresh concerns over its race in Hyderabad, saying it might t be able to go ahead with round scheduled for February 10 following latest communique from new Telangana government.

inaugural electric race in country was held in February this year with n IT Minister KT Rama Rao playing a huge role in bringing race to city. However, KTR's BRS party lost state election to Congress in December.

Considering operational challenges involved in hosting first race, Formula E had dropped Hyderabad from provisional calendar before including it in final calendar in October.

change of guard has put m in a tough spot with Congress government's letter to Formula E adding to its woes ahead of race in six weeks' time. "Following a recent official communication received from new Government of Telangana, Formula E is seeking urgent clarification of ir contractual commitments under agreement and how it could impact Hyderabad race.

"Based on content of letter received, Formula E is concerned race will t be able to go ahead as planned," Formula E said in a statement.

Formula E officials had met members of new government earlier this month.

Initially, a four-year agreement was signed between Formula E, Telangana government and Greenko, which has pulled out of event after inaugural edition.

"Formula E's senior executive team met with new leadership of Government of Telangana immediately following elections earlier this month. Discussions have been ongoing since n.

"With event just a few weeks away and in its final sts of preparation, Formula E, partners and suppliers have already made significant commercial investments in event.

" inaugural Hyderabad E-Prix in February this year returned almost 84 million USD in positive ecomic impact to region, many times more than overhead costs invested by Formula E and Government of Telangana," statement added.

cost of holding a Formula E race varies. first race in Hyderabad cost stakeholders more than Rs 150 crore. It was first FIA World Championship status event held in India in 10 years, following Formula 1's departure in 2013.

Formula E is std around world and in iconic world cities including Tokyo, Berlin and London. PTI BS APA APA