The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and Sao Paulo Mayor’s Office today welcomed Brazilian racing drivers, city officials, Formula E executives and a new title sponsor to a launch event for the 2023 Julius Baer Sao Paulo E-Prix.
Tens of thousands of Brazilians - some of the most passionate motorsport fans around - are set to attend the race on 25 March next year at the Sambadrome in the home of the Sao Paulo carnival on the series' first visit to the South American county.
TICKETS: Secure your seat in Sao Paulo, 25 March, now!
Two Brazilian drivers in the world’s first all-electric racing series, Lucas di Grassi (Mahindra Racing) and Sergio Sette Câmara (NIO 333) were in Sao Paulo alongside Mayor Ricardo Nunes, Gustavo Pires from Sao Paulo Turismo and Alberto Longo, Formula E Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, to meet fans and welcome a new title sponsor for the race.
Julius Baer, a valued long-term global partner of Formula E, was announced today at the launch event as the official title sponsor of the 2023 Julius Baer Sao Paulo E-Prix.
Lucas di Grassi's looking forward to racing on home soil
Carnival-like race day set for the Sambadrome
Spectators at the race will enjoy a full day of entertainment for the whole family, including live performances before and after the race, local gastronomic offerings and the opportunity to meet the Formula E drivers. All grandstands will be in the heart of the action as the race gets underway at the Sambadrome.
Twenty-two drivers from 11 teams will race on an exciting new track layout at the Sambadrome designed to encourage high-speed action but with minimum impact on day-to-day traffic caused by construction.
The race will take place just a month after the world-famous Sao Paulo carnival is held at the Sambadrome and will see one of the largest outdoor venues in the city revitalised to host Formula E.
“We cannot wait to race in the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, thanks to the help and vision of the Sao Paulo City Council," said Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E. "Together we will bring an electric carnival of motorsport to Sao Paulo where we will showcase the pinnacle of electric racing and innovation – our Gen3 car – around the local streets and infamous Sambadrome venue for the passionate Brazilian fans."
Brazilian Sergio Sette Camara is in for Gen3, with NIO 333
"Racing in one of the most populous cities in the world with such a rich and dedicated motorsport culture will highlight how Sao Paulo is embracing change through encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles to benefit peoples’ health and the environment.”
“The city of Sao Paulo hosts thousands of cultural, sporting and business events every year and having Formula E on our calendar is a source of pride and celebration," says Ricardo Nunes, Mayor of Sao Paulo. "A race with exclusively electric vehicles also meets our Goals Program, which has the Sustainable Development Goals as a design and execution premise in each of its 77 points.”
Beatriz Sanchez, Region Head Americas and Member of the Executive Board, Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd, said: “Eight years ago, Julius Baer recognised the potential of Formula E and decided to invest in the development of the racing series.
"Together, we have built Formula E into one of the most important motorsport series in the world and a successful test bed for innovations advancing the future of mobility. We firmly believe that here in Brazil perhaps more so than anywhere else – in a country whose flair for racing and motorsports is legendary – the racing series and its messages will generate great attention."
Lucas di Grassi, Driver, Mahindra Racing, said: “I can’t wait to race in Sao Paulo in March, thanks for Formula E and Sao Paulo City Council for making this vision come to life. The Sambadrome is going to be incredible as fans will be able to cheer from the starting grid, there’s no better feeling than racing at home. I am the most successful driver in Formula E with over 1000 points but those I’ll make here will be the sweetest!’
Sergio Sette Camara, Driver, NIO 333 Formula E Team, said: “Season 9 will definitely be one to watch out for. I’ll be racing with NIO 333 as we enter a new generation of cars – the Gen3. Racing in Sao Paulo makes this season even more special. There is nothing like racing at home with your fans cheering you on. It’s going to be incredible!”
Giovanni Guerra, Conferacao Brasilera de Automobilismo, said: “It is with great joy that the Brazilian Automobile Confederation welcomes the arrival of Formula E in Brazil and thanks Mayor Ricardo Nunes, Alberto Longo, Formula E, and their respective teams for this great effort. We are honored and committed to collaborating to make Formula E in Sao Paulo a success and to establish itself as one of the main and enduring events of the category. CBA's technical, sports and circuit teams, made up of professionals of the highest competence, are ready to help make that dream a reality, with the grace of God”.
Carlos Pignatari, acting Governor, Sao Paulo State: “Sao Paulo, this megalopolis we have in Latin America, keeps giving examples in various areas, including the most difficult ones to be matched, like environmental, tecnology and social development. Sao Paulo is the capital of entertainment, a city that is constantly developing, generating Jobs, income, preserving the environment.
"Next March Sao Paulo will, as well, showcase the technology, the fast rate of development and the speed an electric car, which is something beyond incredible. Congratulations to all the ones who believed in this event, and believe that Brazil can keep making the difference in Latin America”.