Birmingham in advanced talks to revive Superprix

Formula E cars are set to drive through Birmingham’s streets in an event similar to the city’s 1980s road races.

The Formula 3000 Super Prix was staged in the city between 1986 and 1990 and attracted crowds of thousands.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has confirmed he is in advanced negotiations to revive the event.

Over the last 12 months, the Mayor and the Formula E organisers have been working on a deal to bring back street racing in Birmingham.

The return of the race was a manifesto pledge made by the Mayor and follows a change in the law allowing the Road Traffic Act to be temporarily suspended for authorised motorsports events.

Street said: “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.

“We are now in the advanced stages of these negotiations. We are eager for two main reasons.

“First, it means we can showcase to the world the changing face of Birmingham city centre which has seen unprecedented investment in recent years.

“Like many Brummies, I remember the original Superprix fondly. Photos and footage from those events have become almost part of folklore and remind us of how those events thrust the city firmly into the spotlight.

“Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it showcases our region’s position as a world leader in next generation automotive technologies. 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.

“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.

“Of course, there is still work to do. Birmingham City Council have been supportive in our discussions and we are working towards a deal based on commercial sponsorship.”