FORMULA E driver and current leader of the World Championship, Sam Bird, has backed plans for a ‘Monaco’ style eGrand Prix in Bournemouth, saying he saw no reason why the town couldn’t host an “amazing event”.

Sam, from Poole, said he would love a race “on my doorstep” and wanted to offer his help to push the idea forward.

He said: “I have been involved in Formula E since its inception, I am the only driver to have done every race, every single season.

“For it to come to Bournemouth, to bring business to local businesses, for electric mobility to be showcased within Bournemouth would be great.”

Sam, who drives for Jaguar Racing, said he learnt of the plans after seeing the story in the Daily Echo.

He then spoke to the managing director of Formula E who said he was aware of it.

“I couldn’t quite believe what I was reading,” he continued. “I think it is a great opportunity for the town to showcase how great Bournemouth is.

“I think we could make a very interesting track, I would love to be involved in that process. As someone who has done every single race and understands what it takes to drive a Formula E car and understands the politics, I would love to be the spokesman for the race.

“We have held races in much stranger places. It would attract a very large audience. It would be exciting, I don’t see a reason why we couldn’t have the race in and around the area. We have got enough space, enough room.”

Sam said having a racetrack this close to home would be “unbelievable”.

He added: “The amount of support would be superb, they are capable of pulling off an amazing event. I don’t think BCP Council realises it has got one of the main drivers in the area, maybe I could be some use.”

The proposed route starts at Christchurch Road, goes past Royal Bath Hotel, West Cliff Road, Durley roundabout, Durley Chine Road, joins Wessex Way, leaving at the St Pauls roundabout, on to St Pauls Road and St Swithuns Road, rejoining Christchurch Road and completing the circuit.

Tony Williams, of Wessex Entrepreneurs, the investor group behind the scheme, said having people like Sam on board was“priceless”.

He said: “We need his advice. We have a very good and growing team and there was nobody that I spoke to who is talking in a negative way about this.

“We need Sam’s expertise, his understanding of how it will all work. These kinds of people are absolute gold. Working with them will be absolutely priceless.”

Councillor Philip Broadhead, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Awareness and visitor numbers are growing fast in the places where races take place. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole would be proud to host a future eGrand Prix and I would be keen to speak to the promoters to see how we can help with their plans.”