Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty will form a dramatic backdrop to the inaugural New York City ePrix. The FIA Formula E Championship, the world’s first fully-electric racing series, confirmed it will take place in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
The track will be 1.947 km (1.21 mile) and remains subject to FIA track homologation.
The New York City ePrix in July 2017 will be the first FIA-sanctioned open-wheel race to take place within the five boroughs of New York City in modern history. The circuit features 13 turns and will wind its way around Pier 11 and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.
Alejandro Agag: “To race in New York City is a historic moment”
Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said: “To race in New York City is a historic moment and not only for Formula E, but for motorsport in general. It highlights the philosophy of Formula E to bring fully-electric racing to the world’s greatest cities. We could only dream of bringing Formula E to a place like New York, which has arguably the most recognisable skyline of any city in the world.”
Jean Todt, President of the FIA, defined the achievement as amazing.
Michael Andretti added it would be great for an American team like Andretti to showcase the championship to its home country audience.
Drivers on the New York City ePrix circuit layout and race
Sebastien Buemi, Renault e.DAMS driver and reigning Formula E champion, said: “New York is one of the world’s great cities. I think it will be an amazing event, particularly with that backdrop! Along with Hong Kong, Paris and Berlin, we can genuinely say we have the most exciting calendar ever seen in motorsport.”
Lucas di Grassi, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver, said: “A race in New York is like a small dream. Just imagine seeing the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the pitlane! It will also be a sporting highlight. The track has a mix of fast sections, hairpin bends and a narrow infield directly on the waterfront.”
The 2016/2017 FIA Formula E championship starts at the beginning of October in Hong Kong. The second round is in November in Marrakesh and after that the series will take a break until February 2017.
