Formula E is back in Sanya after a seven-year hiatus, marking a significant milestone for the all-electric championship. China is hosting a triple-header this month, with Round 11 taking place in Sanya, followed by Rounds 12 and 13 in Shanghai. This highlights the remarkable progress Formula E has made since its inaugural race in Beijing. The Sanya E-Prix represents the first time the series has raced there in the GEN3 era, with its last and only previous visit occurring in 2019. The race is scheduled for 20 June.
All About the Sanya Street Circuit
Sanya stands out as one of the most unique locations on the Formula E calendar. Situated at the southernmost tip of China's Hainan Island, it is a popular holiday destination renowned for its tropical charm, coconut groves, and ocean breezes. Amid this natural beauty lies a challenging street circuit that tests drivers' skills. Sanya is also home to the Hainan Free Trade Port, adding another feather to its cap. Known as the 'Oriental Hawaii', the city boasts world-class coastal destinations such as Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay, attracting visitors from around the world with its sun-kissed beaches, diverse cultural experiences, and duty-free shopping. It also serves as an important gateway connecting China with the rest of the world.
The 2.52 km Sanya Street Circuit hosts high-octane racing across 12 turns, with its layout offering strong overtaking opportunities throughout the race. The last Formula E race in Sanya, held in 2019, produced a thrilling contest, with a late-braking move by Jean-Eric Vergne in his DS Techeetah allowing him to overtake pole-sitter Oliver Rowland's Nissan and claim victory.
Formula E's Special Connection with China
Formula E has a special connection with China. The inaugural Formula E race was held in Beijing in 2014. Since then, the all-electric championship has raced in four Chinese cities, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Sanya. Interestingly, there have been ten different winners across the 11 Formula E races held in China so far, highlighting just how unpredictable and competitive the championship has been.
What to Expect from the Sanya E-Prix
Formula E heads to Sanya with Jaguar TCS Racing's Mitch Evans leading the Drivers' World Championship. Jean-Éric Vergne won the previous Sanya E-Prix in 2019 and returns to the venue looking to repeat that success. Stay tuned for the Sanya E-Prix on 20 June, with the race scheduled to begin at 3:05 pm local time (12:35 pm IST).
Also read: Sanya E-Prix schedule: Race timings, how and where to watch Round 11, weather forecast. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
