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High Stakes as Formula E Returns to Venue Lost to COVID
Highlights
- Formula E returns to Sanya, China, for second race since 2019.
- 2026 race uses modified 2.48 km circuit with 37 laps.
- New “zero lap” at 50 km/h precedes the standing race start.
- Chinese EV manufacturers expected to join Formula E soon.
- Asian leg includes races in Sanya, Shanghai, and Tokyo.
- Hot, humid conditions may challenge tire management and overtaking.
Formula E returns to Sanya on Saturday for its first race there since 2019, using a lengthened 2.48km layout over 37 laps, as the championship intensifies its push into Asia.
Sanya aims to be a major free‑trade port by 2035, and a multi‑season Formula E slot supports that plan. COVID halted momentum, with a new race agreement finalized in 2025.
Commercially, the return targets a Chinese manufacturer. BYD’s possible Formula 1 project complicates the picture. CEO Jeff Dodds expects a local brand to join mid‑Gen4 car era.
The Asian leg spans five weeks across Sanya, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Several manufacturers will attend to benchmark operations and performance in the fastest car stakes before committing to a factory program.
Formula E returns to Sanya with a revised 2.48km layout and a 37‑lap distance, targeting deeper ties with China’s EV industry.
The revised circuit grows from 2.23km to 2.48km and retains the 2019 start line. A new ‘zero lap’ at 50km/h precedes a standing start from an off‑set formation.
Turn 1 opens up, while a double‑apex left replaces the old Turn 2. Turn 10 flows faster, and the final corner becomes a cleaner 90‑degree exit without the jutting barrier.
A new 50km/h ‘zero lap’ precedes the standing start, adding a unique prelude to lap one.
Teams run 38.5kWh usable energy with a 0.93 regeneration coefficient. Natural coasting zones exist, yet limited passing places should elevate track position and qualifying execution.
Limited overtaking and heavy heat should make qualifying and tyre management decisive.
Heat and humidity will stretch tyre management. With many lefts, right‑side tyres take the brunt. Cupra Kiro Racing’s Gary Paffett highlights Turn 9 as a likely flashpoint, recalling 2019 drama.
Back in 2019, Sebastien Buemi’s crash was linked to Nissan’s subsequently banned dual‑motor system. Jean‑Eric Vergne won with a late pass before a red flag and safety‑car finish.
That race also proved Nelson Piquet Jr’s last outing with Jaguar after a difficult run and crash, underlining a turning point for the team.
Sanya’s return therefore carries sporting and strategic weight. The paddock will watch manufacturer engagement, the circuit’s new demands, and how drivers balance energy, tyres, and track position in traffic.
Visual Summary
⚡ Formula E Returns to Sanya, China
A recharged future for racing in Asia
Circuit Changes
2.48 km
/
37 laps
Track length and race distance ↑ for 2026.
Debut of the “zero lap”.
Debut of the “zero lap”.
Heat & humidity = tire drama?
Grid Stakes
Top Chinese EVs?
China’s big manufacturers are watching.
Who’ll join Gen4?
Who’ll join Gen4?
Next electric power play?
2019: First Sanya Race
Vergne’s comeback, crashes, controversy.
Vergne’s comeback, crashes, controversy.
2020-24: Hiatus
Pandemic disruption & waiting game.
Pandemic disruption & waiting game.
2025: Deal Struck
Return confirmed for Sanya.
Return confirmed for Sanya.
2026: New Era?
Gen4, zero lap, China’s EV giants?
Gen4, zero lap, China’s EV giants?
Eyes on Sanya: Where electric dreams meet market ambitions.
Will a homegrown EV hero electrify Formula E?
Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.
