Formula E heads to Hainan: Sanya to host season five race following Hong Kong E-Prix
All-electric street racing series coming to the shores of the South China Sea two weeks after Central Harbourfront race
Formula E has announced its return to mainland China with the all-electric racing series heading to Sanya province on March 23.
The tourist destination in southern Hainan will host round six of the 2018-19 FIA Formula E Championship, two weeks after the Hong Kong E-Prix on March 10.
Details of the track layout are yet to be released but the race will play out against the backdrop of Haitang Bay, subject to approval of the updated calendar by the FIA World Motorsport Council.
“Bringing the ABB FIA Formula E Championship back to mainland China is an important step in a key territory for the series and a market that’s instrumental to the continued development and uptake of electric vehicles globally,” Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Formula E, said.
“Sanya is an idyllic setting for a Formula E race – not just with the stunning views on the shores of the South China Sea – but for the ongoing efforts of Hainan in the field of electric mobility, which has led to Sanya boasting the best air quality of any city in China.”
Beijing hosted the inaugural E-Prix around the grounds of the Olympic Park in 2014, and also kicked off season two.
Season five starts in December with Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh putting on an opening double header. Hong Kong had occupied that slot for the opening weekend of the current season, but the Central Harbourfront race has now been moved back to race five.
Season five will see the launch of the futuristic new-look Gen2 cars in Formula E, which can complete a full race without the need for a mid-race car swap.
Organisers also announced a new format with races now all lasting 45 minutes plus one lap to reach the chequered flag.
Drivers will also be able to use a higher power mode of 225kW, compared to the standard 200kW, once they pass through an activation zone, with the duration and frequency of use varying at each E-Prix.
