An electronic vote was put to all 11 Formula E team principals during the Sao Paolo E-Prix event this weekend to determine whether an FIA regulation that would prevent certain drivers from racing in Berlin could be bypassed.
The unique situation comes as the first of two Berlin Formula E races, due to be held across the 11-12 May, will clash with the WEC’s Six Hours of Spa.
Seven drivers are running dual campaigns this season and in theory it would have been possible for those racing in Belgium on the Saturday to travel across to Germany to race in the all-electric championship on the Sunday.
However, an FIA regulation means that the Berlin E-Prix double-header is considered a sole event despite two races being held, currently making it so teams cannot switch drivers between the races unless the decision was unanimously agreed by all 11 teams.
A statement from the FIA ahead of the vote read: “As the Berlin E-Prix is a competition comprised of two races as set out in Article 5.5, a change of driver after the end of the administrative checks is not authorised except in case of force majeure and with the authorisation of the stewards in accordance with Articles 19.1 and 24.15.
“Therefore, it is necessary to grant these drivers special authorisation and the unanimous agreement of competitors is necessary.”
Source: Autosport