https://www.scmp.com/rss/325612/feed The third edition of the HKT Hong Kong ePrix will be held on March 10 on a 1.86km street circuit in the Central Harbourfront district. The race will be round 5 in the 2018-19 Formula E season. The inaugural race in 2016 was won by Switzerland's Sebastien Buemi (Renault e.dams), with Sam Bird (Virgin-Citroen) and Felix Rosenqvist (Mahindra) winning the double-header in 2017. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com International motor racing will return to Hong Kong in November after it was confirmed that the city will host the finale of this year’s FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX) series. The US$10 million event will be the first of its kind since Formula E was held along the waterfront of Victoria Harbour in 2019, weeks before social unrest gripped the city. Local organisers are working with the government to build a track in central for the weekend event, which will take place on November 11... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3213932/international-motor-racing-return-hong-kong-2023-world-rx-series-finale-confirmed-november?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3213932/international-motor-racing-return-hong-kong-2023-world-rx-series-finale-confirmed-november?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Mar 2023 11:08:46 +0000 Local organisers are hoping to bring back the prestigious Formula E motor race to Hong Kong with a new venue, after it was again snubbed when the new season’s global calendar was confirmed this week. The electric motor racing showpiece was a major international sporting event in the city for three seasons from 2016 to 2019. But anti-government protests and the pandemic have since seen the race scrapped, including for the upcoming season nine, which begins in January 2023. The Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3196818/hong-kong-miss-out-another-formula-e-season-organisers-hopeful-2024-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3196818/hong-kong-miss-out-another-formula-e-season-organisers-hopeful-2024-return?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Oct 2022 23:45:08 +0000 Political uncertainty and the Covid-19 pandemic means Hong Kong has lost its flagship international motor racing event for the second year in a row, with the Formula E series bypassing the famous Central Harbourfront circuit for the 2020-21 season. In a provisional schedule announced by world governing body the FIA, the next season will start in Santiago, Chile on January 16, 2021 and conclude with a double-header in London on July 24 & 25. China will stage one race on March 21 with Sanya in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3092749/hong-kong-formula-e-race-left-2020-21-calendar-amid-political?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/3092749/hong-kong-formula-e-race-left-2020-21-calendar-amid-political?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jul 2020 00:00:14 +0000 There’s much to like about Formula E. Whether that’s the Naomi Campbell-approved carbon-footprint impact of the cars being electric, the city centre locations encouraging spectators to use public transport or the attempts to curb single-use plastic at the event site. It’s not just green credentials, either. Bringing motorsport to some of the world’s most iconic cities should open the sport to more fans and it has also come a long way in its first five years, marked with a 50th race, held in Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3001851/formula-e-still-needs-make-few-changes-success-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3001851/formula-e-still-needs-make-few-changes-success-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Mar 2019 00:00:04 +0000 Formula E returns to Hong Kong this weekend, on Sunday, March 10, with 22 drivers from 11 teams competing in the fifth race of the season and marking the sport’s 50th event. The all-electric race made its global debut in Beijing’s Olympic Park in 2014 and has since gained popularity across the globe, with 13 races in 12 cities across five continents. The last race was held earlier this year, on February 16 in Mexico City. FIA president Jean Todt and Spanish businessman Alejandro Agag, developed... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2189260/hong-kong-e-prix-formula-e-sparks-life-weekend-22-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2189260/hong-kong-e-prix-formula-e-sparks-life-weekend-22-all?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Mar 2019 01:04:41 +0000 The little electric car presented by the University of Hong Kong in 1982 might look somewhat forlorn next to the screaming muscle of the “Gen2” Formula E machines. But the stunning track cars of the all-electric racing series, which returns to Hong Kong tomorrow, owe a debt of gratitude to engineers of the 1980s who transformed electric vehicle (EV) technology from dreary drays towards something people might actually want to drive. Even as an undergraduate in the 1980s, professor KT Chau had a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2189235/why-formula-es-beautiful-gen2-cars-owe-debt-gratitude-these-ugly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2189235/why-formula-es-beautiful-gen2-cars-owe-debt-gratitude-these-ugly?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2019 10:12:14 +0000 Beitske Visser has racing in her blood. Her father raced touring cars in the Netherlands and her parents also owned a car dealership. She first got into racing at the age of five, however has been acclimatised to the world of engines and speed since birth. “They were running (the car dealership) together, so pretty much the day after I was born, I was heading there every day.” The 23-year-old is the first woman to make it onto the BMW Motorsport Junior Programme, having spent the previous three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2189215/hong-kong-e-prix-bmw-junior-racer-talks-about-being-female-driver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2189215/hong-kong-e-prix-bmw-junior-racer-talks-about-being-female-driver?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2019 09:44:20 +0000 The fast-growing Formula E series of motor racing returns to Hong Kong for its third instalment this weekend. As the series grows in popularity, this year’s edition of the Hong Kong E-Prix, Formula E’s 50th contest, will be the first race to be televised live on the BBC in Britain and we’re looking ahead to Sunday’s main event and launching a spectacular infographic designed by SCMP’s award-winning Graphics team. “Electrifying return of the Hong Kong Formula E” reveals everything you need to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2189150/hong-kong-e-prix-formula-e-makes-electrifying-return-city-third?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2189150/hong-kong-e-prix-formula-e-makes-electrifying-return-city-third?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Mar 2019 04:43:26 +0000 While HKT Hong Kong E-Prix will once again take centre stage on Central Harbourfront this weekend, will the new “Gen2” electric cars be racing under the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline again next year? The harbourfront circuit is not up to the required standard in terms of course distance. The Hong Kong E-Prix has been allowed to run on a shorter 1.86-kilometre street circuit since its debut in 2016, thanks to an exemption granted by world governing body, Federation Internationale de... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2188641/formula-e-hong-kong-e-prix-can-solve-its-street-circuit-headache?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2188641/formula-e-hong-kong-e-prix-can-solve-its-street-circuit-headache?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Mar 2019 03:04:49 +0000 Sitting high up in The Upper House Hotel last summer, Formula E founder Alejandro Agag was excitedly previewing the upcoming fifth season. “We have a great line-up of drivers, second only to Formula One,” he told the South China Morning Post, after the additions of F1 stars Felipe Massa, Stoffel Vandoorne and Pascal Wehrlein. “Apart from that we are probably the best in the world.” If anything has held Formula E back slightly since its inception five years ago, it’s a perceived attempt to try... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2188499/formula-e-coming-age-season-five-its-no-longer-trying-copy-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2188499/formula-e-coming-age-season-five-its-no-longer-trying-copy-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Mar 2019 05:05:12 +0000 Long-serving local driver Darryl O’Young has raced in more than 30 countries in 15 years as a racing professional but has never raced in Hong Kong. All that will change next month when he makes history at the Hong Kong E-Prix, where he will compete in one of the support races on the streets of Central. Smart Charge and Jaguar have teamed up with O’Young to help the 38-year-old take his place in motorsport history by becoming the first Hong Kong racer to drive an electric racing car at the Jaguar... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2187499/formula-e-darryl-oyoung-set-make-history-next-months-hong-kong-e?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2187499/formula-e-darryl-oyoung-set-make-history-next-months-hong-kong-e?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Feb 2019 13:20:53 +0000 The streets of Central Harbourfront will welcome Formula E’s new “Batmobile” Gen2 cars for the season five Hong Kong E-Prix in March, but the 1.86-kilometre circuit still has logistical problems. The all-electric racing series’ founder and CEO Alejandro Agag said a team came to Hong Kong earlier in the summer to see if an extra 100 metres could be added to the track, which has 10 turns and two hairpins. “We were trying to extend it a bit, but I think it wasn’t easy,” Agag said. “It’s not a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2175658/formula-e-batmobiles-streets-hong-kong-central-harbourfront-track?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2175658/formula-e-batmobiles-streets-hong-kong-central-harbourfront-track?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Nov 2018 00:01:56 +0000 Felix Rosenqvist experienced pretty much all the emotions a racing driver can at Sunday’s HKT Hong Kong E-Prix. The Mahindra star was elevated to first place in the second race of the season-opening double-header for his second Formula E win after Daniel Abt was disqualified for a technical infringement. “I feel sorry for Daniel, he won the race on track. It is not the way you want to win and I do not feel like I’ve won the race,” said the Swede. “There has been a lot of ups and downs all... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122830/i-dont-feel-i-won-says-felix-rosenqvist-after-daniel-abt-stripped?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122830/i-dont-feel-i-won-says-felix-rosenqvist-after-daniel-abt-stripped?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Dec 2017 12:15:45 +0000 The HKT Hong Kong E-Prix track will extend next year but ticket prices are unlikely to come down as organisers anticipate a big deficit from the weekend’s double header, senior official Lawrence Yu Kam-kee said. Yu, who brought the race to Hong Kong last year, defended ticket prices, which have been under fire from fans after a seat in the grandstand came in at between HK$2,380 and HK$2,880, or up to HK$4,780 for a two-day ticket. “We had a double-header this time which opens more income but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122682/formula-e-90-cent-chance-return-hong-kong-2018-despite-another-big?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122682/formula-e-90-cent-chance-return-hong-kong-2018-despite-another-big?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Dec 2017 12:00:45 +0000 Germany’s Daniel Abt has been disqualified from the second leg of the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix on Sunday because of car infringements. Abt had celebrated his victory on his 25th birthday but the win won’t count because of infringements involving invalid barcode stickers on the inverter and MGU of his car. Cars must ship with the parts they were listed to have. Click here for the full report. https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122678/daniel-abt-disqualified-hkt-hong-kong-e-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122678/daniel-abt-disqualified-hkt-hong-kong-e-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Dec 2017 11:45:15 +0000 There was champagne for birthday boy Daniel Abt at the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix on Sunday after he had crossed the finishing line first – and then came the real pain when the German was disqualified from the race for a technical infringement. Talk about having your party spoiled. The Audi Sport Abt Schaffler driver turned 25 on Sunday and had initially been handed the perfect present when Edoardo Mortara (Venturi Formula E Team) – leader for much of the race - gift-wrapped it for his opponent by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122674/champagne-birthday-boy-abt-real-pain-mortara-hong-kong-e-prix-comes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122674/champagne-birthday-boy-abt-real-pain-mortara-hong-kong-e-prix-comes?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Dec 2017 11:15:30 +0000 Action was hot on the track but just as hot in the E-Village as thousands of spectators swarmed to Lung Wo Road and Tamar Park to soak up the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix atmosphere. Organisers had decided to give free entry to about 20,000 fans to the E-Village over the weekend after charging about HK$300 per person last year, and racing enthusiasts took full advantage on a warm winter’s day. While fans enjoyed the hotly-contested race by the world’s leading Formula E drivers and teams battling it out... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122662/hong-kong-e-village-sizzles-fans-swarm-enjoy-activities-away-track?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122662/hong-kong-e-village-sizzles-fans-swarm-enjoy-activities-away-track?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Dec 2017 09:45:15 +0000 In an era where humans constantly look over their shoulders at the threat of artificial technology, Hong Kong electric racing fans will be able to see just how far robots have come at the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix on Sunday. Revolutionary autonomous vehicle company Roborace is in town to put on a human v machine race and returned to the garage very confident after tests and demonstrations this morning. “It went really well,” said Roborace digital content director, Roberto Kusabbi. “The human v... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122602/man-v-machine-leading-way-autonomous-car-advancements?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122602/man-v-machine-leading-way-autonomous-car-advancements?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Dec 2017 12:15:15 +0000 As he wove through the narrow Central Harbourfront streets looking to claw his way up the leader board, Audi’s Daniel Abt was supposed to benefit from a special advantage. But things did not quite go to plan. “I got the FanBoost but as I didn’t have a radio, I was not aware I had it, so didn’t use it,” said a frustrated Abt. A unique system where fans vote for their favourite driver on the Formula E website or mobile app, ‘FanBoost’ rewards the three most popular drivers in an online poll with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122598/radio-ga-ga-mechanical-madness-adds-formula-e-drama-hong-kong-e-prix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122598/radio-ga-ga-mechanical-madness-adds-formula-e-drama-hong-kong-e-prix?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Dec 2017 11:45:00 +0000 Matters didn’t go quite according to plan for Nelson Piquet Jnr on his debut for Panasonic Jaguar Racing in the first leg of the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix. But the Brazilian warmed to the task the longer the race went on – and that augurs well for the future of the man and the British outfit in just its second season of electric racing. “A few races need to happen so we can fix things. It was a tough race and we had to fight hard,” said the 32-year-old Piquet, who finished a fast-closing fourth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122597/nelson-piquet-jnr-and-jaguars-show-their-potential-better-showing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122597/nelson-piquet-jnr-and-jaguars-show-their-potential-better-showing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Dec 2017 11:30:30 +0000 Nico Rosberg has said he is “definitely interested” in a return to motorsport with Formula E. The former Formula One world champion was asked about the possibility of taking up a non-driving role with the all-electric series at the season-opening HKT Hong Kong E-Prix on Saturday. “Let’s wait and see,” Rosberg said at the Central Harbourfront track. “I’m open to explore so let’s see what the possibilities are but I’m definitely interested. “No [I don’t miss racing], for me it is really done. I’m... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122584/nico-rosberg-says-he-definitely-interested-return-motorsport-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122584/nico-rosberg-says-he-definitely-interested-return-motorsport-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Dec 2017 08:45:00 +0000 The FIA Formula E Championship was formed with the environment in mind and it continues to explore developments in technology that are designed to make the world a cleaner place. That’s why if you should find yourself wandering past the generators that are powering the whole show here at the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix, you’ll notice immediately that something is missing – the smell of diesel fuel. Thanks to advances made by Aquafuel Research Ltd, the Formula E circuit is powered by glycerine, a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2122514/environmentally-friendly-fuel-helps-clean-everybodys-act?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2122514/environmentally-friendly-fuel-helps-clean-everybodys-act?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:30:45 +0000 Luca Filippi has called for Hong Kong to get behind the China-backed NIO team as they look to turn the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix season opener into their hometown event. “We have a lot of fans here, and there we will be a lot of guests in town too, so we are looking forward to the weekend and to being Hong Kong’s team,” said Filippi. The 32-year-old Italian said he didn’t have to be asked twice when the NIO bosses rang with an offer to replace Nelson Piquet Jnr for Formula E’s season four. They might... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2122513/luca-filippi-urges-fans-make-china-backed-nio-hong-kongs-own?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2122513/luca-filippi-urges-fans-make-china-backed-nio-hong-kongs-own?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:30:30 +0000 Tell him to race against a cheetah and Jean-Eric Vergne will say no problem. Put the Frenchman in with a snake, however, and you might not get such a welcoming a reaction. “I love animals but I wouldn’t race a snake,” joked the 27-year-old Techeetah driver as he recalled his recent excursion to South Africa for a video shoot. “When I heard about [the cheetah race], I was very excited about going. It’s one of the best things I’ve done in my life – not scary at all.” The Vergne v cheetah video has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122512/formula-e-car-v-cheetah-video-goes-viral-driver-jean-eric-vergne?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122512/formula-e-car-v-cheetah-video-goes-viral-driver-jean-eric-vergne?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:15:45 +0000 It’s always better the second time around, so the saying goes, as the hottest property in motor racing rolls into town with a show promising to be even better than 2016. With more world-class drivers, more car manufacturers coming into the fray, more interest and more spectators pouring in for the two days of action at the iconic Central Harbourfront, this year’s HKT Hong Kong E-Prix double header will be out to prove the city belongs at the forefront of the fledgling series. Hong Kong kicks off... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122501/better-second-time-around-hong-kong-e-prix-rolls-action-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122501/better-second-time-around-hong-kong-e-prix-rolls-action-again?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Dec 2017 10:30:30 +0000 Sitting in a business suite at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central, 23-year-old Formula E driver Mitch Evans is soft-spoken and unassuming. But you need only ask the New Zealander’s Panasonic Jaguar Racing team to get an idea of just how explosive this kid is on the track. “Without a shadow of a doubt Mitch has the talent to be in Formula One,” says Jaguar team director James Barclay. “It’s great to see a young driver like him early in his career saying, ‘Actually, my future’s gonna be here... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122453/good-enough-be-f1-mitch-evans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122453/good-enough-be-f1-mitch-evans?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Dec 2017 07:23:38 +0000 As he arrives for media duties with his DS Virgin Racing teammate Alex Lynn on the rooftop of California Tower at Ce La Vi in Lan Kwai Fong, driver Sam Bird is handed a team polo shirt to put on. He remarks it’s a little loose under the arms and that he previously requested a slim fit, as he bares his lean torso despite the overcast grey morning which clouds the normally spectacular view from the swanky Central bar. But there is no doubting Bird is a seamless fit with Formula E, after... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/formula-e/article/2122324/sam-bird-and-alex-lynn-perfect-fit-ds-virgin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/formula-e/article/2122324/sam-bird-and-alex-lynn-perfect-fit-ds-virgin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Nov 2017 10:30:15 +0000 It’s clear that Nelson Piquet Jnr can’t wait to get back to the business of winning as the FIA Formula E Championship enters its fourth season with the double-header around the Central Harbourfront this weekend. That impression comes both from that fact that the Brazilian has thrown the weight of his not inconsiderable experience behind the fledgling Panasonic Jaguar Racing team, and via the figure he cut on Thursday tucked in behind a wide desk at the Mandarin Oriental with an air of quiet... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122322/late-starters-jaguars-have-lot-catching-do-says-nelson-piquet-jnr?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2122322/late-starters-jaguars-have-lot-catching-do-says-nelson-piquet-jnr?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Nov 2017 10:30:00 +0000 Sebastien Buemi says he has shaken off the disappointment of a season which could well have seen the Swiss driver walk away as a double world champion. The Renault e.dams driver was blitzing the field after eight rounds of the 2016-17 FIA Formula E Championship, having won six races and having established a 22-point lead over arch-rival Lucas di Grassi of Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler. But then came the New York double-header, across a weekend the 29-year-old had already committed to racing with... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122264/only-crown-will-do-sebastien?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122264/only-crown-will-do-sebastien?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Nov 2017 06:45:30 +0000 Lucas di Grassi saw the eyebrows being raised when news came out that he had joined the fledgling FIA Formula E circuit back in 2012. The Brazilian was the first driver – and just the third person overall – to sign on for what to many back then was still the great unknown. Five years and three successful series later and Di Grassi is counting his blessings. He returns to Hong Kong fresh from his first Formula E title and from the off-season announcement that the 33-year-old had committed himself... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/other-sport/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122120/we-are-breathing-down-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/other-sport/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122120/we-are-breathing-down-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Nov 2017 08:00:00 +0000 It’s mid-morning at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo just outside Valencia and while the action going on here has a sense of familiarity about it – given the history of the place – it’s the sounds we are hearing that have stopped us in our tracks. This twisting Circuit Ricardo Tormo was carved into the side of a hill and since 1999 has been the place where motorsport legends of the two-wheel variety have made their names. The statue outside the front of five-time world champion Mick Doohan reflects... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122092/welcome-space-age-take-behind?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122092/welcome-space-age-take-behind?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000 You might think all the action will be on the track when the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix takes to the streets of Central Harbourfront this weekend for a season-opening double header. But there will be plenty going on off it, too – here are five things you should be sure to check out on race weekend: 1. Food glorious food The Allianz E-Village will be home to eight food trucks serving up a range of treats, including a special dish conjured up especially for the Formula E. Participating eateries include... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122071/food-glorious-food-funky-heroes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122071/food-glorious-food-funky-heroes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Nov 2017 04:15:30 +0000 What happens when you pit the fastest land animal in the world against a Formula E car? Ahead of this weekend’s season-opening HKT Hong Kong E-Prix double header, it was cheetah versus Techeetah in South Africa as the Chinese-backed FIA Formula E Championship team made a short film to raise awareness of the threat of climate change to wildlife. The cheetah can go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour (62mph) in around three seconds – just like a Formula E car – and Techeetah driver Jean-Eric... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122001/watch-what-happens-when-formula-e?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2122001/watch-what-happens-when-formula-e?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Nov 2017 12:45:30 +0000 The inaugural staging of the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix was heralded as a roaring success, but organisers still say there were important lessons to be learned along the way. The first was how to more fully engage the local audience – hence this year saw a lottery style ballot held for entry into the E-Village that sits next to the course. It was oversubscribed – massively – and the E-Village has been expanded this year, with its focus turned primarily on displays showcasing the E-Car and explaining... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2121949/double-fans-double-excitement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2121949/double-fans-double-excitement?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Nov 2017 08:45:45 +0000 The surprise for FIA Formula E Championship founder and chief executive Alejandro Agag was not that the series has been a success – he was sure of that from the start – but that its rise has been so swift. As we sit on the eve of season four – which kicks off this weekend with the second staging of the Hong Kong E-Prix – Formula E has extended its reach around globe, while the major players in the world of motorsport have come to the party, or will do very soon. “We are far beyond our... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/motorsport/topics/formula-e/article/2121917/next-big-thing-now-formula-e-going-far?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/motorsport/topics/formula-e/article/2121917/next-big-thing-now-formula-e-going-far?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Nov 2017 06:15:30 +0000 Felix Rosenqvist says don’t believe the hype. Word had gone around that the Mahindra driver was somewhat of a whizz when it came to e-sports and those rumours seemed to be confirmed when Rosenqvist finished second overall in an innovative competition – with US$200,000 at stake – waged between Formula E drivers and 10 simulator racers in Las Vegas last February. But the driver says the image being portrayed of him as an uber geek is wrong. “I think that is more of a rumour than truth,” said... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/motorsport/topics/formula-e/article/2121888/e-sports-uber-geek-i-still-prefer-real?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/motorsport/topics/formula-e/article/2121888/e-sports-uber-geek-i-still-prefer-real?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Nov 2017 04:15:30 +0000 The 2016-17 FIA Formula E championship wasn’t decided until the final race of the season but the seeds of victory had been sown right here in Hong Kong. Brazilian ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport racer Lucas di Grassi arrived in Hong Kong for the season opener feeling he had a point to prove, to himself as much as the motor racing public, after finishing third and second, respectively, across the first two seasons of Formula E. Di Grassi did not win the Hong Kong event – that honour went to his fierce... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/formula-e/article/2121811/lucas-di-grassis-ride-hong-kong-bridesmaid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/formula-e/article/2121811/lucas-di-grassis-ride-hong-kong-bridesmaid?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Nov 2017 11:45:45 +0000 Sebastien Buemi showed all the qualities of a champion in taking the inaugural Hong Kong E-Prix last year, keeping his cool in a race that came with thrills aplenty for fans packed around the Central Harbourfront course. The Swiss Renault e.dams driver had come to Hong Kong as the reigning FIA Formula E Championship title-holder, having just missed out on the fledgling circuit’s first-ever driver’s championship, and he had shown himself suited to the twists and turns – and the intensity – that... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/formula-e/article/2121772/relive-sebastien-buemis-brilliant-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/formula-e/article/2121772/relive-sebastien-buemis-brilliant-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Nov 2017 09:15:00 +0000 China’s most decorated racing driver Ma Qinghua has joined NIO Formula E Team for the upcoming 2017-2018 season. Shanghai-born Ma will provide back up as reserve driver to Oliver Turvey and Luca Filippi at NIO and will travel with the team for the opening HKT Hong Kong E-Prix double header over December 2-3. “I am extremely proud,” said the 29-year-old, who competed in four Formula E races with Team Aguri in 2015 before joining the Techeetah squad the following season. “I see NIO as an exciting... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2121314/chinas-most-decorated-racing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/hkt-hong-kong-e-prix/article/2121314/chinas-most-decorated-racing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Nov 2017 11:00:30 +0000 FIA Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi is set to defend his overall championship when the series kicks off with the Hong Kong e-Prix next month. The likeable 33-year-old Sao Paulo-born driver wrapped up last season’s drivers’ title in Montreal in July and returns to Hong Kong to begin the defence of his championship for the opening leg of the Formula E series along Central’s Harbourfront from December 2-3. Brazilian Di Grassi will be in the colours of Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler again and he is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2118989/lucas-di-grassi-set-kick-formula-e-title-defence-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2118989/lucas-di-grassi-set-kick-formula-e-title-defence-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:15:00 +0000 HKT is investing in technology you do not see coming – or cannot even imagine – but one you do see is electric cars. Hong Kong’s largest communications operator confirmed on Tuesday it would return as title sponsor of the Hong Kong ePrix in December, despite the inaugural event losing tens of millions of dollars and being beset by teething problems. That cost was brushed aside as “irrelevant” by Formula E chief executive Alejandro Agag last year and HKT is more than happy to keep investing in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2115772/hong-kong-telecoms-giant-bets-eprix-and-fast-evolving-smartphone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2115772/hong-kong-telecoms-giant-bets-eprix-and-fast-evolving-smartphone?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Oct 2017 12:15:15 +0000 Flying Swede Felix Rosenqvist declared himself primed for an assault on the 2017-18 FIA Formula E championship after preseason testing in Spain. The real action will begin on Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront across the weekend of December 2-3. “You can’t afford to have a bad double-header at the start of the season,” said Rosenqvist. “For me it is the most important event of the year. It was my favourite last year – both atmosphere wise and track wise.” The 25-year-old Mahindra driver excelled... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2114342/rookie-year-done-felix-rosenqvist-targets-double-delight-formula-e?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2114342/rookie-year-done-felix-rosenqvist-targets-double-delight-formula-e?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Oct 2017 03:00:30 +0000 Formula E boss Alejandro Agag has revealed plans are under way to bring mainland China back into the fold of the electric racing series. “China is one of our pillars,” said Agag. “Of course we have Hong Kong, which is great, but now we are working on a second race, in mainland China. “Those two races would be for the long term and would be the base for electric car racing in China [because] the electric car market in China is where The Frontier is.” Mainland China hosted the first Formula E... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2113925/china-going-lead-electric-revolution-says-formula-e-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2113925/china-going-lead-electric-revolution-says-formula-e-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Oct 2017 05:30:15 +0000 The public ballot for tickets to the Hong Kong e-Prix e-Village has received an overwhelming response with more than 23,000 people registered so far. Fans are encouraged to register on or before September 30 via the Hong Kong e-Prix website to gain FREE entry into the e-Village. This is the first time that fans can gain access into the e-Village or free fan zone after organisers last year charged about HK$300 per person. But a ceiling of 10,000 on both days will be applied for this year’s Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2112914/free-access-e-village-hong-kong-e-prix-gets-overwhelming-response?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2112914/free-access-e-village-hong-kong-e-prix-gets-overwhelming-response?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Sep 2017 10:00:30 +0000 December’s Hong Kong ePrix should see fewer crashes and a smoother race thanks to track improvements. According to a leading track specialist, the chicane on turns three and four will be the main focus of this year’s improvements to the 1.86km circuit along the Central Harbourfront. Architect and Formula E track specialist Rodrigo Nunes said the improved chicanes could help prevent crashes that marred last year’s race. Hong Kong is hosting the ePrix for the second year running on the weekend of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2112019/no-more-surprises-drivers-promised-better-hong-kong-eprix-after-last?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2112019/no-more-surprises-drivers-promised-better-hong-kong-eprix-after-last?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Sep 2017 07:15:30 +0000 Reigning FIA Formula E champion Lucas Di Grassi has declared it’s no longer a matter of if electric cars will knock Formula One off its perch at the top of motor racing but when. “In terms of teams, of driver levels and interest from manufacturers Formula E is already a clear second-most important series in the world and we are getting close to Formula One very quickly,” Di Grassi said yesterday. The Formula E series boasts the presence of Jaguar, Mahindra, Renault and Audi while motor racing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2111402/hong-kong-eprix-can-show-formula-e-catching-formula-one-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/motorsport/article/2111402/hong-kong-eprix-can-show-formula-e-catching-formula-one-says?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Sep 2017 10:15:30 +0000 At least when he next comes to Hong Kong in December for the opening race of the new Formula E season, Jean-Eric Vergne will have a little more time to get over the jetlag. “Just landed in Hong Kong, I don’t know what’s my name anymore,” the Frenchman joked in a tweet on Tuesday. The exuberant celebrations after winning his first ePrix in Sunday’s second part of a season-ending Montreal double header may not have helped either, having had to board a flight the next day.   No words needed...... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2105280/f1-behind-me-says-rejuvenated-jean-eric-vergne-he-targets-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2105280/f1-behind-me-says-rejuvenated-jean-eric-vergne-he-targets-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Aug 2017 07:45:45 +0000 After becoming the third different Formula E champion in three years at the weekend, Brazilian Lucas di Grassi said he can’t wait to begin the defence of his title in Hong Kong – the place he calls his “lucky city”. The former Formula One driver finished seventh for Audi Sport in the final race of the season in Montreal. The race was won by Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne, but di Grassi did enough to end the 2016-2017 season as champion on 181 points. And the 32-year-old Sao Paulo-born ace is already... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2104782/i-cant-wait-return-hong-kong-says-new-formula-e-champion-lucas-di?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2104782/i-cant-wait-return-hong-kong-says-new-formula-e-champion-lucas-di?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Jul 2017 08:45:30 +0000