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Formula E
Hong KongEducation

Formula E debut in Hong Kong, draws spectators, praise and criticism over ticket prices, limited views

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying calls inaugural event ‘a dream’ while area shops report mixed impact on their businesses

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The two-day Formula E race event held on a course spanning Tamar and Central concluded on Sunday. Photo: K. Y. Cheng
Rachel BlundyandTony Cheung

Crowds gathered near and beyond the tracks for the second and final day of racing at Hong Kong’s inaugural Formula E event, which elicited praise from the city’s leader despite many calling for more affordable seating should the event be expanded next year.

Watch: Formula E champion Sebastien Buemi celebrating his win in Hong Kong

A few dozen fans queued up for the remaining 200 tickets on Sunday morning while scores of others took a free glimpse of the race from unblocked vantage points near the 1.8km harbourfront track in Central. Twenty drivers from 10 teams competed in what was the only Formula E race in Asia this season.
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Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Greg So Kam-leung said on Saturday the government would hold talks with race organisers to discuss next year’s event and consider expanding it if people liked it.
Two cars negotiating a turn on the racetrack on Sunday. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
Two cars negotiating a turn on the racetrack on Sunday. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
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Hong Kong Automobile Association chief Lawrence Yu Kam-kee earlier said organisers hoped to turn the event into an annual affair.

Hong Kong signed a three-year deal to be one of two venues for Formula E racing in greater China, but the city became the only location nationwide after Beijing decided not to continue after staging the races the last two years.

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