Formula E Recharges for China Return
Racers vie for position during the 2019 Sanya E-Prix on Hainan Island on March 23, 2019 — the last time the Formula E Championship was staged in China. (PHOTO / CHINA NEWS SERVICE)
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to make its return to China next year, with Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds expressing confidence that the race in Shanghai will be a sellout. The last Formula E race held in China was in 2019 in Sanya, Hainan province, and the debut in Shanghai is scheduled for next May. Dodds cited growing interest in the all-electric championship and electric vehicles, as well as the convenience of public transportation and affordable ticket prices, as reasons for his optimism. He also mentioned that tickets for the Shanghai race will be cheaper than Formula 1 tickets and will be available for sale later this year.
Dodds emphasized the family-friendly nature of Formula E races, with their quieter and emission-free cars. Alex Hui, the team principal of Chinese Formula E outfit ERT, noted that the shorter race duration makes it easier for non-motor sports fans to follow and enjoy. Dodds highlighted the importance of racing in China, considering the country’s position as one of the biggest electric vehicle manufacturers in the world. He expressed his goal of accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and mentioned that racing in China is crucial to manufacturer partners and fans alike.
The upcoming Shanghai race in May 2023 is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the championship, which held its inaugural race in Beijing in 2014. Dodds commented on the evolution of electric race cars, which can now reach speeds 100 km/h faster than in the earlier years of the championship. He expressed his intention to expand the reach of Formula E through increased marketing, public relations, media outreach efforts, and recent partnerships with streaming service Roku TV and American network CBS. A media partnership in China is also forthcoming.
Regarding future race locations, Dodds mentioned the importance of China and the United States due to their size and passion for motor sports. Both he and Hui asserted that Formula E represents the future of motor sports, aligning with the growing awareness of sustainability issues and the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles on the roads. They emphasized the impressive performance of electric cars and the role of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in changing perceptions and generating more interest in all-electric races.
Dodds looked ahead to the future and indicated that Formula E will continue improving the capabilities of electric race cars to achieve even higher speeds. He added that modifications for the 2024-25 season will bring new excitement to the championship. While next year’s race in Shanghai will be held on a track circuit, Dodds didn’t rule out the possibility of a street race, ideally in Shanghai’s iconic Bund area. He mentioned Formula 1’s successful street race in Las Vegas, emphasizing the potential of hosting a race along the Bund.
In conclusion, Formula E is eagerly preparing for its return to China with the upcoming race in Shanghai. Dodds and Hui believe that Formula E offers a sustainable and exciting future for motor sports, aligned with the increasing interest in electric vehicles and the changing perceptions of their performance. As the championship seeks to expand globally, China’s significance as a major electric vehicle manufacturer and the success of the Shanghai race are paramount. Formula E aims to showcase the progress of electric race cars and increase their appeal to a wider audience.
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