Hong Kong E-Village sizzles as fans swarm to enjoy activities away from the track
There was something for everyone as 20,000 enthusiasts visit the E-Village over the weekend in warm weather
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 at Central Harbourfront, the E-Village was the heartbeat of the race weekend as it provided a platform that brought together all the fans – and it was teeming with activity.
But many fans chose to relax in their chairs just like Richie Cheung, who spent the day sketching his version of the Hong Kong E-Prix story.
“I had a ticket to go into the arena and this is my first time here. I like to sketch and I wanted to build a Formula E story. I really like the atmosphere here. It’s great and it’s free and it’s wonderful and the weather is very nice.”
Cheung, who is in the construction business, said his Formula E story would be four to six pages long.
“This is my own interest. Rather than have a picture that’s beautiful, I’d rather have a story that can tell people how the event is going.
“That’s my style. We have several sketching groups that meet once or twice a week and I usually share my sketches with them. Sometimes we have sketching exhibitions.
“This is brand new event and a whole new experience for me.”
Hong Kong resident Robert Helgerth enjoyed his time on Sunday, saying it was the first time he was attending a Formula E race.
“So far so good. It’s surprisingly warm today,” said Helgerth, who works for Microsoft. “I didn’t expect it to be that hot but it’s better than having rain,” said the German.
“This Grand Prix is different from the ones I have attended in Hockenheim and Nurburgring. It’s a very good atmosphere here with the surroundings in the middle of the city against the skyline backdrop. It’s very impressive.”
But not everyone went home happy with some fans complaining they weren’t able to watch the race.
“My friend got me these E-Village [tickets]. We don’t have a grandstand here and we can’t watch it and we’re thinking of leaving,” said one fan.
“The whole point was to watch the race. This is basically a corporate event and it’s not designed for the general public so I’m very disappointed that there’s no seating for even the E-Village tickets [holders] to stand other than on the screen. I could watch it on TV.”
