Hong Kong E-Prix ready to ignite with an enhanced fan experience

Sleek & futuristic Formula E Gen2 car competitive debut to spark a range of new and exciting features both on-and-off the track

The 2019 Hong Kong E-Prix will see a range of electrifying new features added to its programme as 22 drivers from 11 teams take to the city’s Harbourfront street circuit on Sunday, March 10.

Spearheaded by the debut of the long-awaited Formula E Gen2 car, which has almost double the range and energy storage capacity of the previous car, fans will be among the first in the region to witness the future of everyday electric road vehicles.

With no mid-race car swap, a new team in the HWA RACELAB, and Nissan e.dams replacing Renault, fans can expect more action on track than ever before.

FANBOOST, synonymous with Formula E, will continue to lead the way in innovative fan engagement at live events as once again FANBOOST allows them to vote for their favourite driver to receive an extra boost of 100kJ of energy during the race, giving fans a direct impact on the outcome.

While the iconic Hong Kong Harbourfront track remains unchanged with 10 turns and two hairpins, the addition of the new ‘Attack Mode’ is another on-track innovation that will impress speed lovers in 2019. Activated via special zones on the track, drivers will be able to access 225 kW power in Attack Mode with spectators able to identify which drivers are in mode through the illumination of LED Halos on the vehicles.

Season four champion Jean-Eric Vergne said:

“Last season was very special for me, and it all started in Hong Kong where two great runs in the double header sent me on my journey to my first championship win. With the Gen2 car, and new features such Attack Mode, Formula E will become even more exciting for both drivers and fans, and I look forward to the challenge.”

Panasonic Jaguar Racing reserve and test driver Tung Ho-pin said:

“With the introduction of the Gen 2 car, Season Five of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship is the most eagerly anticipated yet. As a driver that has been involved in the series from the start, it is great to see our sport continue to grow , and to see the increasing impact its technology and innovation is having on the future of electric vehicles.

“The Gen2 car is simply amazing, and no doubt all the drivers will be looking forward to racing in it this season. For Panasonic Jaguar Racing, Hong Kong is one of the highlights of the season and we are looking forward to getting back on the podium.”

The 2019 Hong Kong E-Prix continues to offer entertainment for the entire family with an upgraded Allianz E-Village, in both size and entertainment offerings. Acting as a hub for education on the future of sustainable mobility education, this activity space is one of the best places to rock out over the Hong Kong E-Prix weekend.

Abutting the track but without direct views of the race, all of the action will be carried to spectators on TV screens in place around the Allianz E-Village.

The new Formula E World exhibition in the Allianz E-Village demonstrates the advances in battery and electric motor technology, while a new Kids Zone will satisfy the curiosity of next generation motor racing fans and car lovers, and educate youth through immersive and entertaining experiences.

To accommodate the expanded Allianz E-Village, the Lung Wo Road grandstand space will be reduced to allow for more activities, gourmet F&B, and live performances on race day.

The famed podium ceremony will continue to take place at the Allianz E-Village so fans will still have the chance to get up close and personal with the race winners.

Other opportunities to engage with the drivers include autograph sessions, and the finale of the “Race Around Hong Kong” simulator experience where esport enthusiasts can compete head-to-head against the best drivers on the virtual Hong Kong E-Prix track.

Bob Li, CEO, ENOVA Holdings Limited, commented:

“As the exclusive regional partner of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for Greater China, ENOVA Holdings is delighted with the return of the Hong Kong E-Prix. The Formula E experience is much more than the 13 races in the series as it showcases the rapid and innovative technological achievements on sustainable mobility and plays a key role in electric vehicle adaption. Electric-powered cars is the future of everyday road transportation, and the Hong Kong E-Prix has been leading the way in the Greater China region in educating all of us the way to embrace this evolution and contribute to a sustainable future.”

Mr. WONG Chi-cho, Joe, JP, Commissioner for Tourism commented:

“The Tourism Commission is delighted with the return of the Hong Kong E-Prix. In just two years, the event has already become one of the top highlights in the Hong Kong events calendar, which has significant appeal to both overseas tourists and local residents . We look forward to supporting the third edition of the event, and welcoming travellers from all over the world to visit Hong Kong, the events capital of Asia. ”

Renowned local celebrity Jason Chan added:

“I visited the E-Village last year and learned a lot about electric cars, which I didn’t know or think too much about before. As a car owner and fan, it is important to be kept informed of the latest in the market .

“Becoming a father recently has changed my world completely. Now, everything I do is about preparing for the future, worrying about what is best for my child. One of the biggest things I think about is sustainability and pollution, which Formula E and the E-Village can teach us a lot about.”

Two months ago, Jaguar announced its I-PACE eTrophy will become the support series to season five of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. A race will feature at the Hong Kong E-Prix, and at the first ever Sanya E-Prix, two weeks after, giving ticket holders two full races, in addition to all of the practice and qualifying rounds, to immerse themselves in in 2019.

For fans who simply cannot wait till race day, a “Race Around Hong Kong” initiative has been developed for gaming fans and those dreaming of becoming race car drivers to compete on the virtual Harbourfront street circuit.

Through a partnership with Sideways Driving Club, simulators will be placed around Hong Kong for the public to experience the magic of Formula E. The overall winner of “Race Around Hong Kong” will get the opportunity to compete against the likes of season four champion Jean -Eric Vergne and Formula E debutant Felipe Massa at the Allianz E-Village Gaming Arena.

Ticket prices at the 2019 Hong Kong E-Prix across the Observation Wheel and Tamar Park grandstands are set at a uniform price of HK$2,880, which includes complementary access to the Allianz E-Village. Concession tickets are available for children aged 5-12 years and senior citizens aged 65-and-over. Allianz E-Village tickets, with access to the Allianz E-Village only, are priced at HK$50.

Fans can get an early bird discount from now through midnight on Tuesday, 11 December, 2018. Please visit hkformulae.com to find out more. To learn more about the 2019 Hong Kong E-Prix corporate hospitality offerings and EMOTION Club passes, please email [email protected] .

Under the platform of the urban-based, future-focused ABB FIA Formula E Championship, the FIA Smart Cities initiative will come to Hong Kong on Saturday, March 9 to drive discussion around the topics of urban mobility and to promote the development of innovative mobility solutions.

The FIA Smart Cities Forum will gather an impressive array of mobility experts, city planners, metropolitan authorities, technology specialists, entrepreneurs, high-level political leaders and policy-makers to define the pathway for the future of mobility along the axes of sustainability and innovation .

The Forum will take place at the Formula E hospitality area, providing participants with an exclusive access to the Formula E track and innovations piloted by the racing teams.