Moscow added to Formula E calendar

Formula E has added a Moscow street race to its inaugural season, taking the championship's number of races back up to 10.

The planned 2014-'15 calendar dropped from 10 races to nine when the intended Brazilian event in Rio was called off last year.

Formula E initially indicated that one of the existing events could be turned into a double-header to compensate, but it has now secured a Russian round in Moscow instead. It slots in on June 6, with the Berlin race moved forward from May 30 to May 23 to accommodate it. London remains the season finale on June 27.

FIA president Jean Todt said bringing FE to Moscow was another important step for motorsport in the nation after 2014's inaugural Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix.

"Russia's presence in motorsport dates back to the beginning of the 20th century but the growth rate which we've seen in the last few years is incredible," Todt said. "After the debut of the WTCC two years ago and of Formula 1 last year, the launch of another FIA championship in the country is an important milestone in this growth path."

Russian Automobile Federation chief Sergey Ivanov said bringing motorsport into Moscow would be a "historic" achievement.

"For the first time ever a real race will take place in the very heart of the city," he said. "We've been cooperating with FIA for a long time and we are certain that the FIA Formula E Championship round in Moscow will be held in accordance with all the international standards."

Ex-F1 driver Lucas di Grassi leads the FE championship after its first four races.

REMAINING 2015 FORMULA E ROUNDS

March 14: MiamiApril 4: Long Beach
May 9: Monte Carlo
May 23: Berlin
June 6: Moscow
June 27: London

Originally on Autosport.com