Formula E has welcomed seven races in China over the years; from Beijing, Hong Kong and Sanya. Now, after a four year absence from the calendar, it’s back and we’re so ready. The all-electric championship will be heading to the popular Shanghai International Circuit for Rounds 11 and 12, as we reach the final stretch of the season.
Lucas di Grassi is actually one of only three drivers on the current grid that took part in the 2014 Beijing E-Prix – the race that started it all. Alongside di Grassi, Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing) and Sam Bird (NEOM McLaren) lined up on the grid and put their foots to the throttle when the lights went out for the historic event.
“I am really looking forward to returning to China,” di Grassi said ahead of the double-header weekend. “I clinched my first Formula E victory there ten years ago in the championship’s debut.
History maker 👑
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) May 21, 2024
Back in 2014, @LucasdiGrassi cemented his place in the record books as he became the first ever Formula E race winner at the inaugural E-Prix in Beijing!#ShanghaiEPrix pic.twitter.com/7uAwNHuzGW
For me, the Beijing street circuit is still one of the best tracks we’ve ever had.
“Now we come to the permanent Shanghai circuit, where I have already raced in Formula 1 and the WEC. It’s a very challenging and technical track, especially with the Formula E car. The fans can look forward to the next crazy races where we will also see several hundred overtakes!”
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The 3.051km layout will be a shortened version of the traditional Grand Prix circuit, with the positioning of the ATTACK MODE on the outside of the long right-hander of Turn 2. It’s also a wide track and we can expect to see lots of strategic and dynamic racing over the two events.
“The return to China is an important step for Formula E and all the teams, manufacturers and partners involved,” Thomas Biermaier, ABT CEO and Team Principal added.
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“Shanghai is a fascinating city where we have already competed twice with the DTM and have fond memories of the enthusiasm of the people. We learnt a lot during the races in Berlin and the Rookie Test day that followed, and now we want to put that into practice.”
Nico Mueller is returning to the team, after an absence in Berlin due to a prior commitment. The Swiss driver was replaced by the team’s Reserve Kelvin van der Linde, but is back to normal duties for the rest of the six remaining races.
“It is great to be back in China as it is an important market for everyone in the Formula E family,” Mueller claimed ahead of his comeback. “The track is very flowing and wide by Formula E standards, so we’ll see a lot of side-by-side racing again. Energy management will be important, especially on Saturday. The races will only be decided in the final laps!”
SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2024 Shanghai E-Prix Rounds 11 & 12
The 2024 Shanghai E-Prix Round 11 gets underway on Friday 24 May with Free Practice 1 at 17:00 local time.
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Track action for the first day of the double-header starts on Saturday 25 May with Free Practice 2 at 08:00 local. Qualifying follows at 10:20 local time with lights out for Round 11 scheduled at 15:00 local.
Following this, Sunday’s action starts with Free Practice 3 at 08:00, followed by Round 12 qualifying and the race at 10:20 and 15:00 local time respectively.
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