Hong Kong show interest in Formula E double-header race

It was announced earlier this week that Hong Kong is in discussions with Formula E about staging a double-header to kick off the 2017-2018 season, as well as moving the date to host the ePrix into November.

In an interview with the media this week, Lawrence Yu, the president of Hong Kong's Automobile Association; felt that the inaugural Hong Kong ePrix was a success and is looking to build off that success by staging a double-header to start the season.

“There was only one race last year as it was our inaugural event and everything was new to us. As we continue to stage the event for the second consecutive season, we are confident of expanding it to two races in two days which will definitely be more attractive to the fans for more racing and a better atmosphere,” said Yu.

Further on his interview, Yu is also hopeful that more support races can be arranged throughout the two days of racing. This season there was a celebrity e-touring car event between Formula E sessions, but Yu hopes that an electric G0-Kart race could be possible.

“There will also be other changes as we are looking for more support races in order to provide more entertainment during the two racing days. Even electronic go-karting is one of the possibilities,” said Yu.

The race organisers are also looking to have the season opener in November, as they were concerned about a threatening typhoon. Typhoon season in Hong Kong normally ends moving into November.

“We were greatly concerned about the weather conditions this year when we staged the event in October because of the approach of a typhoon.

Fortunately, it did not affect the race but it had given us a lot of worries,” said Alan Fang, chief executive of Formula Electric Hong Kong Racing to scmp.com.

Also, the race officials are looking into extending the length of the track from 1.8-kilometre track street circuit to a 2.3km course. However, they are unsure whether or not that will be logistically possible for next season.

But despite interest from new cities wanting to join the calendar for season four. Fang is confident that Hong Kong will remain the season opener.

“There are still ongoing discussions on the cities for next season but as far as we understand, Hong Kong will be the first choice to start the series. We believe they will start in Asia, move to Europe and then wrap up again in America,” said Fang.

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa