Brabham: Gold Coast perfect Formula E location

Matthew Brabham says the Surfers Paradise street circuit would be a perfect location to host a race of the all electric FIA Formula E Series.

The grandson of three-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Jack Brabham has played a part in the development of the new electric category in his reserve driver role for the American Andretti Autosport squad.

Having attended the series’ opening race on the streets of Beijing last weekend, which was won by Brazilian Lucas di Grassi, the 20-year-old Indy Lights racer believes the Surfers Paradise street circuit would be an ideal venue to host a FIA Formula E race.

The Gold Coast has a rich international history having hosted top flight American open-wheel races for 18 years from 1991.

The annual Surfers Paradise street race has subsequently been a V8 Supercars-only event since 2009.

“It was so much fun in Beijing,” Brabham told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“It would be great to have an E series race on the Gold Coast.

“It could build momentum and be a very good alternative to Indy.

“I grew up watching the Gold Coast 600 and it would be good to have an international series back.”

Queensland minister for tourism and events, Jann Stuckey, told the paper that the government was open to the idea, but any decision would be determined by V8 Supercars, which promotes the 600.

As reported by Speedcafe.com, the category has held preliminary talks with two Australian cities with a view to host a round of the championship’s second season.

Organisers of the Clipsal 500 at the Adelaide Parklands circuit have already discussed the concept initially.

The FIA Formula E Championship is expected to have its calendar for the 2015/2016 season confirmed by December this year.

VIDEO: Behind the scenes of the FIA Formula E Car