Formula E electric car racing is tailor-made for Hong Kong
HKAA says the non-polluting and silent electric cars are ideal
The Formula E world championship will promote the use of electric cars in Hong Kong, according to the top official behind the bid to host the inaugural series next year.
Lawrence Yu Kam-kee, president of the Hong Kong Automobile Association, said the usual obstacles critics raised, such as environmental pollution and noise pollution, did not apply to the Formula E electric racing series which he said was tailor-made for Hong Kong.
"Electric cars are pollution-free and we know both government and district councils are positive to [the idea of] holding the event. In fact, this will surely help to promote the use of electric cars in Hong Kong," Yu said.
We did not have to worry about the lack of a proper track, huge initial investment and environmental issues ... The coast is clear because these obstacles no longer exist in Formula E racing
The absence of environmental issues was a major plus when local organisers first mulled over the prospect of bringing a leg of the 10-race series to Hong Kong, said Yu.
"We have been working on the details for over a year and we did not have to worry about the lack of a proper track, huge initial investment and environmental issues, including the noise level. The coast is clear because these obstacles no longer exist in Formula E racing," he said.
"Moreover, the track needs for the race are not as stringent as the traditional formula races. That means there is no need to build a course from scratch.
"However, with top speeds reaching 217km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometres in just three seconds and the thrills of a street race track, Formula E is expected to be as stunning as other formula races," Yu added.
In a bid to promote motor sports, Yu said he would push for local drivers to take part when the International Automobile Federation-sanctioned event was staged next November.