Hong Kong ePrix

The Hong Kong ePrix is an annual race of the single-seater, electrically powered Formula E championship, held at the Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit in Hong Kong. The track was touted as a potential venue for the all-electric series’ inaugural race. It was first raced in the 2016–17 season as the first major international motorsport event in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong ePrix
Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit
Race information
Number of times held4
First held2016
Last held2019
Circuit length1.860 km (1.156 mi)
Last race (2019)
Pole position
Podium
Fastest lap

In 2018–19 season, the 2019 Hong Kong ePrix was the 50th race of Formula E since its inception in 2014.[1] It was widely expected to be the first wet race in Formula E racing history. Drivers tested the grip levels in both shakedown and practice sessions on a fully wet track, but it did not eventuate.[2] The ePrix was scheduled to be on the 2019–20 calendar, but it was replaced due to the pro-democracy protests.[3]

Circuit

The ten turn 1.86 km circuit, located in the Central Harbourfront area is a firm favourite on the Formula E calendar. Making use of existing roads, all racing cars and drivers drive past landmarks including the International Finance Centre, Hong Kong Observation Wheel, and Hong Kong City Hall.[4]

Significant portions of the track covered with painted road signs could turn the race to extremely unexpected under serious rainy conditions, according to some drivers.[5]

There is different tarmac and painted road markings around the circuit will make some parts of the track really slippery and especially on an adverse camber section it will be treacherous. Still, the drainage is facilitated by the presence of concrete blocks with holes.

Results
EditionTrackWinnerSecondThirdPole positionFastest lap
2016 Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit Sébastien Buemi
e.dams-Renault		 Lucas di Grassi
Audi-ABT Schaeffler		 Nick Heidfeld
Mahindra		 Nelson Piquet Jr.
NextEV NIO		 Felix Rosenqvist
Mahindra
2017 Race 1 Sam Bird
Virgin-DS		 Jean-Éric Vergne
Techeetah-Renault		 Nick Heidfeld
Mahindra		 Jean-Éric Vergne
Techeetah-Renault		 Jérôme d'Ambrosio
Dragon-Penske
2017 Race 2 Felix Rosenqvist
Mahindra		 Edoardo Mortara
Venturi		 Mitch Evans
Jaguar		 Felix Rosenqvist
Mahindra		 Lucas di Grassi
Audi
2019 Edoardo Mortara
Venturi		 Lucas di Grassi
Audi		 Robin Frijns
Virgin-Audi		 Stoffel Vandoorne
HWA-Venturi		 André Lotterer
Techeetah-DS

Controversy

With over 350 skyscrapers sitting on Hong Kong's shoreline, it was claimed several drivers encountered radio communication problems due to the buildings blocking the signal, which forced them to recalculate their energy management unassisted.[1]

References
  1. "Stat Attack: 10 things you didn't know about the race in Hong Kong". Formula E. 7 March 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  2. "Oliver Rowland heads wet Hong Kong E-Prix FP1". Formula E. 10 March 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  3. Smith, Sam (4 October 2019). "Calendar Confirmed: Marrakesh Replaces Hong Kong". e-racing365.com. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  4. "Pre-race round-up: Audi's got a "score to settle" in historic Hong Kong race". Formula E. 9 March 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  5. "Teams Gear Up for Forecasted First Wet Race". e-racing 365. 9 March 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2019.


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