Sanya, the tropical resort city in China's Hainan province, has secured a return to the Formula E calendar as the season opener for the 2027 Asian leg, marking its first appearance in the all-electric racing series since 2019.
Return After Six-Year Hiatus
The city last hosted a Formula E race in March 2019, when it served as the fifth round of the 2018-19 season. That event was won by Jean-Éric Vergne of DS Techeetah. The race was subsequently dropped from the calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges. The 2027 race will be the first time Sanya appears as a season opener.
New Circuit and Timing
According to Formula E officials, the 2027 race will take place on a newly designed street circuit, with details of the layout expected to be released later in 2024. The race is scheduled for early 2027, likely in March, aligning with Sanya's favorable weather conditions. The exact date has not been confirmed.
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said, "We are thrilled to bring Formula E back to Sanya, a city that has shown tremendous support for electric racing. The 2027 season opener in Asia will be a landmark event for the championship and the region."
Impact on the Championship
The addition of Sanya as a season opener expands Formula E's presence in Asia, which currently includes races in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Hyderabad, India. The 2027 calendar is expected to feature 16 races across 12 cities, with Sanya replacing an undisclosed European venue as the opening round. The move reflects Formula E's strategy to grow its fan base in Asia, a key market for electric vehicles.
Local officials have welcomed the announcement, with the Sanya Municipal Government stating that the event will boost tourism and showcase the city's commitment to sustainable development. The 2019 race attracted over 50,000 spectators and generated an estimated $30 million in economic impact for the region.
