Long Beach Formula E ePrix Returns This Weekend

March 30, 2016 LBLN

The Long Beach ePrix will return to the city streets on Saturday, April 2, 2016.

The FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Motor Sport Council recently approved the calendar for the second season of the FIA Formula E Championship, with Long Beach scheduled as the sixth of 11 rounds in the series. Overall, 10 venues will host Formula E events, with the 2015-16 season beginning once again in Beijing on Oct. 17.

Last year’s inaugural Long Beach ePrix saw 20 single-seat electric race cars take the green flag on a modified 1.6-mile, seven-turn portion of the iconic Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach race course in front of more than 20,000 in attendance. Nelson Piquet Jr. won the race by 1.7 seconds over Jean-Eric Vergne on his way to winning the first FIA Formula E Championship last month.

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said: “We’re very pleased for Formula E to be returning to Long Beach in 2016. Our first Californian ePrix was a fantastic success and brought a new generation of race fans to the iconic streets of Long Beach. We’re looking forward to building on this, as well as continuing to promote the message of sustainability so that California remains the number one market for plug-in electric vehicles.”

“It’s extremely exciting to welcome the ePrix back to Long Beach for a second year, and we are hopeful that this demonstration of innovation, sustainability, and cutting edge technology will return to our city year after year,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia.

“We’re delighted that Formula E has again chosen Long Beach as one of its premier venues for 2016,” said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, which will again operate the event. “Last year’s event attracted a large and enthusiastic audience who witnessed the first ever electric car race here in the western United States and this year’s event promises to provide even more entertainment value both on and off the track. And the sustainability concepts fit perfectly with the major initiatives that Long Beach has put into effect.”

The 2015-16 FIA Formula E Championship has added Paris, France as a new venue for its second season, and the series will also visit Putrajaya (Malaysia), Punta del Este (Uruguay), Buenos Aires, Berlin, Moscow and end the season in London.

Long Beach is a track steeped in tradition and is renowned as one of the most famous and challenging street circuits in America. Last year’s winner and reigning Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr. provides his thoughts on a circuit that put him on course to becoming the inaugural Formula E champion…

To buy tickets for the Long Beach ePrix on April 2 click here

Number of turns – 7

Track length – 2.1km

Past winners – Nelson Piquet Jr. (China Racing)

Qualifying record – 56.937s (Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT)

Lap record – 58.973s, Nico Prost (e.dams-Renault)

Suited to Shoreline

The track has a slightly different feeling to other circuits we race on in Formula E. It feels bigger and wider, and it’s not as bumpy or as technical as some other places we visit. The shortened Grand Prix circuit we use is still a quick track with some long straights and fast chicanes. I think it should suit our car much better and hopefully we won’t suffer as much in Long Beach.

The eVillage Fan Zone will give fans an up-close look at the drivers and cars, as well as street dancing and displays of electric vehicles. On the track, (in addition to racing), there will be demonstrations of electric karts, exotic electric cars and even an electric Big Foot monster truck. Fans can also visit the FanBoost, where they can vote to give their favorite driver an additional booster of energy that can be used during the second half of the race.