Formula E - Shanghai ePrix I

The Shanghai ePrix I brings formula-e racing to the Shanghai International Circuit for Round 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This double-header weekend features two races at one of China's premier motorsport venues, with the Shanghai ePrix I opening the action. The event showcases the Gen3 Evo race car on a permanent circuit that offers wide straights and technical corners, creating multiple opportunities for overtaking and strategic racing.

Shanghai International Circuit Configuration

The Shanghai International Circuit provides the backdrop for this formula-e round. Hermann Tilke designed this permanent facility, which features a unique layout that resembles the Chinese character "上" (shang), meaning 'up above' or 'ascend'. Formula-e uses a modified version of the traditional Grand Prix circuit, specifically a shortened configuration of the West Long circuit.

The formula-e track layout measures 3.051 kilometers and includes 12 turns. The circuit combines high-speed sections with tight corners, offering drivers various racing lines and passing zones. The Attack Mode activation zone sits on the outside of the long right-hander at Turn 2, adding a strategic element to the race.

Teams and Drivers

Ten teams compete in the championship, each fielding two drivers and the Gen3 Evo car. Andretti Formula E, Citroën Racing, Cupra Kiro, DS Penske, Envision Racing, Jaguar TCS Racing, Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team, Mahindra Racing, Nissan Formula E Team, and Porsche Formula E Team make up the grid.

The driver lineup includes Pascal Wehrlein, Oliver Rowland, Mitch Evans, Jean-Éric Vergne, Nick Cassidy, António Félix da Costa, Jake Dennis, Maximilian Günther, Lucas Di Grassi, Sébastien Buemi, Edoardo Mortara, Felipe Drugovich, Nico Müller, and Norman Nato. Many drivers bring experience from racing at Shanghai International Circuit in other motorsport categories.

Gen3 Evo Technology

Performance Capabilities

The Gen3 Evo car represents the fastest accelerating FIA single-seater race car currently competing. It reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 1.82 seconds and achieves a top speed of 200 mph. The car features all-wheel drive capability during qualifying duels, race starts, and Attack Mode activation, marking a first for formula-e.

Power Systems

During races, drivers operate at a standard 300kW power output. Attack Mode provides an additional 50kW boost, raising total output to 350kW. Drivers activate this strategic power increase by traveling through the designated activation zone off the racing line. In qualifying, cars use 300kW for standard sessions and boost to 350kW with all-wheel drive during head-to-head duels.

Energy Management

The Gen3 Evo car features front and rear powertrains that enable 600kW regenerative braking capacity. This system recovers nearly 50% of the energy needed for a race. PIT BOOST adds another strategic layer, requiring teams to complete a mandatory 30-second pit stop for a 600kW charge that adds 10% energy to the battery. Teams can only perform this boost when the car's State of Charge sits between 40% and 60%.

All teams use 18-inch treaded all-weather Hankook iON tires, manufactured from 35% recycled and sustainable materials. For double-header events like the Shanghai races, each driver receives six new front and six new rear tires for the entire weekend.

Formula-E in China

China has hosted formula-e races in four cities: Beijing, Hong Kong, Sanya, and Shanghai. Beijing held the first-ever formula-e race in China during September 2014. The Shanghai International Circuit, which opened in 2004 for Formula 1, welcomed formula-e racing two decades later during Season 10.

What Makes This Race Special

Formula-e holds the distinction of being the world's first net zero carbon sport, and the Gen3 Evo car is the world's first net zero carbon race car. The series promotes a "race-to-road" philosophy, where innovations developed for electric race cars transfer directly to consumer electric vehicles.

The Shanghai ePrix I takes place on a permanent circuit rather than a temporary street track, giving drivers more room to demonstrate their skills and allowing the electric cars to reach their full potential. The wider track creates different racing dynamics compared to tighter street circuits common in formula-e.

Strategic elements like Attack Mode and PIT BOOST require teams and drivers to make crucial decisions throughout the race. Timing these power boosts and mandatory pit stops correctly can determine race outcomes. Energy conservation through careful driving and regenerative braking remains critical throughout each race.

The Shanghai International Circuit's distinctive shape and layout provide a culturally significant venue for formula-e racing. The circuit's blend of fast sections and technical corners tests every aspect of driver skill and car performance, promising competitive racing for fans following the championship.