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Formula 1 street race could be heading to London as early as next year

Central London could host a Formula 1 street race as early 2017, according to Bernie Ecclestone.

Plans for a race that weaves through a number of the capital’s landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, have been in the offing since 2011.

However, legislation relating to road closures, along with concerns about pollution and noise, have repeatedly held up plans.

It now seems that many of those obstacles may have been surmounted, with Ecclestone claiming that a London Grand Prix could soon be joining the likes of Monaco and Singapore in hosting a street circuit as part of the Formula 1 racing calendar.

Speaking to ITV News London about the prospect of a Central London street race, the Formula One Group Chief Executive, said: “The answer is that if it can be done, then yes, we’d love to do it. There is a small technical issue, who is going to pay for it, but apart from that I can’t see any dramas.”

The capital successfully played hosted to an FIA Formula E street race, featuring electric-powered racing cars, last year at Battersea Park in what was viewed as something of a trial run for a larger-scale event.

Former Mayor Boris Johnson was known to be open to the prospect of a London Grand Prix, but it remains to be seen how open new Mayor Saadiq Khan is to hosting an event which will bring significant disruption to Londoners.

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