Marking the opening of the Asian header, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Sanya. It welcomes back the Lianxin Sanya E-Prix. After absence from the calendar, the track welcomes the 20 drivers for the first time in the GEN3 race craft. With the results in Monaco changing the championship standings, this weekend will be a recovery drive for some drivers and a chance for growth for the rest.
Track Statistics
Round ten brings us back to Sanya for the first time in 7 years, with a unique track set up. A track length total of 2.52 km invites the drivers to 12 turns to cross the finish line. Drivers will take their Attack Mode in Turn 4. The street circuit has not changed its layout since the last time it was on the calendar.
It includes two relatively long straights, a chance for the drivers to complete overtakes that are crucial for their championship position. This is a track that was designed for Formula E’s race crafts, offering several heavy-breaking opportunities.
Regenerative braking will be the real strategy behind the race day as Sanya’s temperature will be a challenge for the drivers. Teams will find themselves picking between outright pace and energy management to help them cross the finish line.
Reigning race winner of the Lianxin Sanya E-Prix, Jean-Éric Vergne, pays tribute to the demands of this track. He explains,
“It’s a track that can create interesting races because energy management plays such a big role. The challenge is to find the right balance between pushing and being efficient.”
Who Stood on the Podium?
Three of the current drivers sat on the podium the last time the championship raced at this track. Taking first place and ending the season with a World Drivers Championship, Jean-Éric Vergne took the victory after a thrilling race. The reigning world champion, Oliver Rowland, took second place, and António Félix da Costa brought home P3 for BMW i Andretti Motorsport.
Sanya marked a few firsts for the podium sitters. After an exciting qualifying, Rowland’s efforts were rewarded with his first pole position. A breakthrough moment for the Brit, where he translated his pole position to second place on the podium. Although he did not get the win he chased, he came out of the weekend a title contender.
Vergne, qualifying second, took the lead early on, whilst his experience helped him clear Rowland. After a red flag during the middle laps, Vergne was able to control the race and take the victory. A first win for the French in the 2018/19 season.
Where the Championship Is Now
Heading into the race weekend, the title fight is one that is close. The Monaco E-Prix shifted the championship situation, with Kiwi Mitch Evans finding himself in the lead. Trailing behind him is Rowland, who will be hopeful to utilise this race to lead the championship.
It will be interesting to see who joins Vergne on the victory step in Sanya. Tune in to an exciting race day!