Formula E rolls into Sanya on Saturday for its second ever e‑Prix, reviving the 2019 event that was halted by the COVID pandemic. The Chinese island resort is being promoted as a future free‑trade port slated for 2035, and local authorities see the race as a catalyst for that ambition. A deal to bring the series back was sealed in early 2025, underscoring the financial pull the championship has in the region.
The 2026 layout expands to 2.48km (1.54 miles) and runs 37 laps, a slight increase over the original 2.23km circuit. A “zero lap” offset places the start line 535 m from the dummy grid, requiring cars to crawl at 50 km/h before the standing start. The first three corners have been re‑profiled into a more open Turn 1 and a double‑apex left, while the former Turn 10 now offers a faster, flowing line. With eight left‑handers, tyre wear and the expected heat and humidity will be critical, a point highlighted by Cupra Kiro manager Gary Paffett, who flagged Turn 9 as a potential hotspot.
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said conversations with Chinese manufacturers are ongoing and he is optimistic a domestic EV brand will join the grid soon, likely at the mid‑point of the Gen4 era. While BYD is eyeing a Formula 1 project, the championship hopes a Chinese team will arrive on a full‑manufacturer basis rather than as a partner, adding a new competitive dimension to the Asian leg.
