The next Formula E season, which will feature the third generation of cars (Gen3) for the first time, will not start in January in Saudi Arabia as planned.

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This is what the specialized site The Race reported on Wednesday. The whole thing is the result of a one-month postponement of the first round to give the teams time to fully understand the new cars and have them homologated.

The E-Prix in Dariya, Saudi Arabia has been the opening round on the calendar for four seasons. However, the need to postpone the start of the campaign has brought its share of inconveniences for several promoters since the races are contested in urban areas and many factors come into play when organizing events of such magnitude.

“Obviously the interest from different cities around the world and when they can actually host events, in addition to other factors like the weather, means that unfortunately Saudi Arabia is not going to be the first race “confirmed Alberto Longo, co-founder and director of the championship, to The Race.

Mexico appears to be in a lead position to stage the first-ever race with the Gen3, which will feature lighter and more powerful plug-in cars. The Saudi stopover should take place a little later.

Up to 15 E-Prizes?

In addition, Longo spoke about the number of events for the next season. This year, 16 races are spread over 10 different cities with six double programs. Next year, up to four more destinations could be added.

“We are in internal discussion, he confirmed. It is a fact. So, this year, we are at 10. Next year, it will be 12 or 13 events minimum, it could even go up to 14.

The FE is set to return to Canada with the Vancouver E-Prix being held on Canada Day weekend in 2023. The first edition was originally scheduled for this summer, but organizers have been forced to cancel it due to delays.

The next stop on the 2022 calendar will be the Jakarta E-Prix, which will take place on June 4. The race will be broadcast on TVA Sports.