Senna’s IndyCar Test & Formula E’s Phoenix Potential | F1 News

Discussions are underway to bring Formula E racing to Phoenix, Arizona, following a previously unpublicized Indy Car test conducted at Firebird Raceway by the late Formula One champion Ayrton Senna.

The potential for a Formula E event in Phoenix emerged as talks regarding a possible Formula 1 race have stalled, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. While Formula 1 remains a long-term aspiration for the city, the logistical and financial hurdles are significant. Formula E, a fully electric single-seater motorsport championship, presents a more attainable near-term goal.

Senna’s 1990 victory on the streets of Phoenix remains a notable moment in the racing legend’s career. He started in 5th place and secured the win, repeating the success in the following year. However, his earlier involvement with the Firebird Raceway, testing an Indy Car, has received less attention. This test, conducted prior to his Formula One dominance, demonstrates a broader interest in American motorsports beyond the pinnacle of Formula 1.

Ayrton Senna da Silva, born in São Paulo, Brazil, on March 21, 1960, and tragically killed on May 1, 1994, following an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix, achieved three Formula One World Drivers’ Championship titles with McLaren. At the time of his death, he held the record for 65 pole positions and 41 Grand Prix wins. His career spanned from 1984 to 1994, competing for teams including Toleman, Lotus, McLaren, and Williams.

The push for Formula E in Phoenix aligns with the growing popularity of electric vehicle racing in the United States, with established races already taking place in Austin and Miami, and a new event planned for Las Vegas. The city of Phoenix has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the potential hosting of a Formula E race, and no timeline for a decision has been announced.