The significance of Tokyo granting Formula E a double-header

The recent unveiling of the Formula E 2024/25 calendar was full of intriguing additions, such as the championship's return to Miami and Jakarta, its continuation of hosting a race in London and a stellar Monaco double-header. 

As well as a staggering double-header in Monaco which will do wonders for the championship, it also featured a double-header in Tokyo. 

This is a significant move by Formula E, who worked for years to make this year's inaugural event happen. 

Tokyo feels like the perfect place for Formula E, with the Japanese capital being renowned for its advanced technology and simply being ahead of the rest of the world. 

Formula E is no different, the series uses technology which is frankly staggering, and represents the rapid development of EV technology. In many ways it is a match made in heaven, and Tokyo seemingly fell in love with the all-electric championship. 

Not only was Formula E its first ever motorsport event, it featured the first announcement of a manufacturer extending its commitment to Gen4. Of course, this was Nissan, who were the first to kickstart a spring full of manufacturers committing to the next era of the series. 

The circuit used for the race was an interesting one which absolutely needs adjustments made for Season 11, but it was a great start. A thrilling race which went down to the wire unfolded, in front of a sold-out attendance.

'Massive sign of confidence'

Given Formula E's format, it is common to see empty grandstands early in the morning when free practice takes place. 

Tokyo was a different story, with thousands of fans having been in their seats from the crack of dawn. As pointed out by Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds, a significant number of fans were unable to get tickets, highlighting that the demand is there for a double-header. 

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has recognised the benefits of having Formula E in the city and the message it spreads regarding sustainability. If the government did not like Formula E, quite frankly, it would not even have one race in 2025. 

But to have a double-header, highlights the relationship that has been formed and with Tokyo offering the spectacular backdrop that it does, back-to-back races on the same weekend is a huge achievement for Formula E. 

"I think we said at the time, and I'm not sure if we shared that with you, but we could have sold the tickets for the Tokyo race multiple times over," Dodds revealed to select media including RacingNews365. 

"And it was the first time they've ever closed the roads in Tokyo for any sporting event outside of the Tokyo Marathon. 

"So the fact that they've asked or invited us to do two races back-to-back, I think is a massive sign of confidence from Tokyo Metropolitan Government. 

"And I think brilliant for the Japanese fans who were unable to secure a ticket last year, they'll have two goes at doing that on both the Saturday and the Sunday."