Formula E - Sanya E-Prix (Round 11)

The Sanya E-Prix (Round 11) brings formula-e racing back to the coastal city of Sanya, China. The race takes place at Haitang Bay Circuit, a street circuit that offers a unique tropical setting for electric single-seater competition. This marks the return of formula-e to Sanya after several seasons away from the championship calendar.

Haitang Bay Circuit

Haitang Bay Circuit serves as the venue for the Sanya E-Prix. The street circuit measures 2.236 km in length and features a challenging layout that tests driver precision and race craft. The circuit winds through Sanya's coastal area, creating a distinctive backdrop for formula-e racing. Minor modifications to the track configuration are expected for this season's return.

The tropical climate of Sanya adds another variable to the racing conditions. Teams must adapt their energy management strategies to account for ambient temperatures and humidity levels that differ from typical European venues.

Formula E Gen3 Evo Car

The Sanya E-Prix features the Gen3 Evo car, the latest evolution in formula-e technology. This electric race car accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 1.82 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating FIA single-seater race car. The car reaches a top speed of 200 mph.

Power and Performance

Drivers compete with 300kW of power in race mode. During qualifying sessions and ATTACK MODE periods, power increases to 350kW. The Gen3 Evo introduces all-wheel drive capability for the first time in formula-e, available during qualifying duels, race starts, and ATTACK MODE activations.

ATTACK MODE allows drivers to gain an extra 50kW boost by driving through designated activation zones off the racing line. This strategic element adds tactical depth to race strategy as drivers balance the time lost taking the activation zone against the power advantage gained.

Energy and Sustainability

The Gen3 Evo features a 47 kWh liquid-cooled battery with 38.5 kWh of usable capacity during races. Regenerative braking operates at 600kW capacity, producing nearly half the energy needed for a complete race. This regenerative capability reduces reliance on stored battery energy and rewards smooth, efficient driving.

Hankook iON tires provide 5-10% more grip than previous generations and contain 35% recycled and sustainable materials. The complete car weighs 840 kg including the driver.

Participants and Teams

The field for the Sanya E-Prix includes established formula-e teams and drivers competing in Season 12. Oliver Rowland enters the season as reigning world champion with Nissan. Porsche holds the teams' and manufacturers' championship titles from the previous season.

Notable drivers competing in formula-e this season include Jake Dennis, Nick Cassidy, Mitch Evans, Pascal Wehrlein, and Jean-Éric Vergne. All teams use the Gen3 Evo as their base car, with different powertrain configurations developed by various manufacturers.

Race Format

The Sanya E-Prix follows formula-e's typical single-header format. Free practice sessions precede qualifying and the main race, with most track action condensed into a focused race weekend. Races last approximately one hour and cover a set number of laps, with additional laps added if Safety Car or Full Course Yellow periods interrupt the competition.

Select events may include a mandatory PIT BOOST stop, where cars receive a 30-second, 600kW ultra-fast charge that provides a 10% energy increase. The FIA determines whether this feature applies to specific races.

History of Formula E in Sanya

Sanya first hosted a formula-e race in Season 5, with Jean-Éric Vergne taking victory in the inaugural event. Planned races in subsequent years were cancelled due to global circumstances. The championship announced the return of the Sanya E-Prix for Season 12, reconnecting formula-e with this Chinese coastal city.

China's Formula E Presence

The Sanya E-Prix represents one of two formula-e races held in China this season. Shanghai also hosts a round, making China the only country with two events on the calendar. This dual presence reflects the growing interest in electric racing throughout the region and China's strategic importance to formula-e's global expansion.

The Sanya government and partner organization Sanya Lian Xin support the return of formula-e to Haitang Bay Circuit. This collaboration between local authorities and the championship demonstrates commitment to sustainable motorsport in the area.

What Makes This Event Stand Out

The combination of Sanya's tropical location, the technical demands of Haitang Bay Circuit, and the advanced Gen3 Evo technology creates a distinctive race environment. The street circuit layout requires precise car placement and strong energy management skills from drivers. The warm climate challenges teams to optimize cooling systems and battery performance.

The Sanya E-Prix offers fans an opportunity to see formula-e racing in a unique Asian setting, different from the urban circuits of Hong Kong or the permanent facilities found elsewhere on the calendar. The coastal scenery provides a memorable backdrop as the world's fastest electric race cars compete on the streets of Sanya.