Hong Kong ePrix: Circuit overview and challenges

Sébastien Buemi – Lucas di Grassi: act 2?

Scarecrows of the discipline, we had left the two actors from the last season on a more than mixed feeling. After a close duel in the overall drivers’ standings, the last showdown in London fell flat. The fault laid with Lucas di Grassi’s bold first braking, which had speared the rear of Sébastien Buemi’s Renault e.dams. Both in the escape route of the first corner, our protagonists set off again, struggling from the back of the pack. Equal in points before the start (with a slight advantage for di Grassi), it was enough for one of them to secure the best lap time in the race and the two points as a reward. A life-size game of cat and mouse had begun, and in the end, Buemi won by securing the absolute best time of Sunday’s race. Enough to claim his first title, insufficient in the sense that the finale was flawed. Even Buemi admitted afterwards being sad to have won in this way and no longer having any respect for the Brazilian.

The lessons from pre-season tests

As a result, did the summer break ease the tensions between the two men?

Anyway, despite their rivalry, their respective steeds will need to be up to par.

Tested during two three-day test sessions: the other teams have not been idle on the English track at Donington!

First of all, the initial session scheduled between August 23 and 25 allowed us to witness a remarkable performance by Jean-Eric Vergne in his new Techeetah single-seater. The former Formula 1 driver came on the second day to break the absolute record set by a Formula E car on this same track, previously held by Lucas di Grassi. Additionally, newcomer Felix Rosenqvist took advantage of the slipstream and finished second on this testing day, ahead of the expert Lucas di Grassi.

But the reigning champion flexed his muscles during the second session, scheduled two weeks later at the same location. Sébastien Buemi completed these tests by securing the fastest overall time, at 1:28.910, thus surpassing Jean-Eric Vergne’s Techeetah (1:29.109), who had topped the timesheets on both the first and second days.

Behind this duo, let’s note the strong overall performances of Nico Prost, Sam Bird, and Loic Duval, who completed the perfect top 5 of the second private testing session.

In terms of reliability, it was Renault e.dams that proved to be the most efficient, with a total of 338 laps completed by Buemi and Prost over the two days of testing. Behind them, DS Virgin Racing (305 laps) and the ABT Schaeffler team (274 laps) performed quite well, while on the other hand, Venturi was held up in the pits for a long time due to various issues, completing only 188 laps.

Consequently, Sébastien Buemi presents himself as the real favorite for his own succession at the starting line of this season. A lineup featuring five new drivers and two new teams: Techeetah, which acquired the license previously held by Amelin Aguri; and Jaguar Racing.

The British manufacturer will be closely watched, nearly 12 years after its last race in Formula 1 before giving way to Red Bull Racing. On James Barclay’s side, the team’s director, the anticipation is truly in the air!

« We can’t wait to get back on track! We have worked very hard for our debut in Hong Kong. We are here not only to race, but also to innovate and inspire. Our expectations are modest, and we respect our competitors. We have a two-year development plan before joining the top teams in the discipline! »

Among the drivers, it is above all the reigning triple WTCC world champion who will be followed, in the person of José Maria Lopez, at the wheel of a DS Virgin Racing.

Strongly supported by his digital community, the Argentine is about to start his first race with the Fan Boost, which will remain this season.

The four other rookies in the running will be: Felix Rosenqvist (Mahindra Racing), Mario Engel (Venturi), Adam Carroll, and Mitch Evans (Panasonic Jaguar Racing).

The setting of this first race of the season

With a length of 1860 meters, the first track of the Formula E season was designed in the pure spirit intended by Alejandro Agag. Built in the heart of Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront, the circuit is nestled between Victoria Harbour on one side and the skyline on the other. Composed of 10 turns, it naturally uses already existing public roads. Two banked hairpins will facilitate overtaking: the first at the level of the first turn, Lung Wo Road, which leads to a main straight that is 555 meters long. The second will take place at the sixth turn and the Star Ferry Pier. The 20 drivers will have the task of completing it 45 times.

Totally new track, discover its content via the official simulator of the discipline and a video, broadcast on the Formula E Twitter account!

Ride onboard a virtual lap of the Central harbourfront circuit, where the HKT Hong Kong ePrix is taking place this Sunday #HKePrix #FormulaE pic.twitter.com/zsNrO8dAo0

— FIA Formula E (@FIAformulaE) 6 octobre 2016

The news of the moment: Mercedes is joining Formula E!

While rumors were circulating since the summer break, Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd and Formula E have officially agreed on the entry of the German manufacturer, starting from the 2018-2019 season.

From then on, the future triple Formula 1 Constructors’ World Champion will expand the grid, which will very likely increase from 10 to 12 teams. However, unanimous approval from all existing teams will be required.

Reacting to this announcement, Toto Wolff himself declared that he is watching the growth of Formula E with great interest.

« At present, we are looking at all available options for the future of motorsports. We are delighted to enter the series starting from season 5. Electric will play a major role in the future of the automotive industry. »

#NEWS: @MercedesBenz takes option on season five @FIAformulaE entry> https://t.co/pzDOZiu6dY #FormulaE pic.twitter.com/Edr7ieih4D

— FIA Formula E (@FIAformulaE) 4 octobre 2016

Regarding the TV program, note that Canal+Sport will rebroadcast the qualifying session this Sunday at 9:10 AM; followed immediately by the live race at 10 AM.

Breaking news: Will the weather whims spoil the party?

While the stage is well and truly set in Hong Kong, the first race of the season could be disrupted by a tropical cyclone. Set to remain in the Chinese sky, weather forecasts indicate strong gusts of wind with various possible rain showers.

Of course, the Formula E organizing committee will keep fans informed of any potential schedule changes.

From then on, stay more connected than ever to Motors Inside to follow the news of this inaugural round.

The appointment is therefore set for no later than this Sunday afternoon for a full review of this Hong Kong ePrix!