The FIA Formula E Championship has confirmed its return to mainland China in the 2018/19 season with Sanya hosting the second Chinese round of Season 5.
China was subjected to have two rounds in the 2018/19 season as per the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting in Manila two months back. The race in Hong Kong was confirmed for the March 10 date in the provisional calendar.
However, it has now been revealed that Sanya – situated on the southern tip of Hainan – will host the second Chinese round on March 23, which awaits the final approval from the WMSC in its next meeting later this year.
“Bringing the ABB FIA Formula E Championship back to Mainland China is an important step in a key territory for the series and a market that’s instrumental to the continued development and uptake of electric vehicles globally,” said Alejandro Agag.
“Sanya is an idyllic setting for a Formula E race – not just with the stunning views on the shores of the South China Sea – but for the ongoing efforts of Hainan in the field of electric mobility, which has led to Sanya boasting the best air quality of any city in China.”
The last time a race took place in mainland China was during Season 2 in Beijing, which served as the season opener. With the confirmation of Sanya, it only leaves one round yet to be finalised on the Season 5 calendar.
As known, Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh will host the 2018/19 opener on December 15 – which will see the brand new Gen2 car in action for the first time – with a double-header in New York closing the season during July 13-14 weekend.
Races in Morocco, Mexico, Italy, France, Monaco, Germany and Switzerland are also confirmed besides Saudi Arabia, China and New York. Round 3 of the season is still ‘TBA’ as logistical issues in Chile means an alternate venue is to be firmed up.
