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Shanghai Formula E: Electric Racing in China

Shanghai FormulaE with a couple of numpties

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation: 24.9 million
Shanghai FormulaE with a couple of numpties
Tim Chambers9 min

Shanghai FormulaE with a couple of numpties. This was filmed by Tim Chambers. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

Join me and Mark as we attend round 11 of the ABB FormulaE 2024 championship, getting to the Shanghai circuit via the metro. We were total lacking any knowledge of the rules, so it was a good learning experience.

Formula E, officially the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, is an open-wheel single-seater motorsport championship for electric cars. The racing series is the highest class of competition for electrically powered single-seater racing cars. The inaugural championship race was held in Beijing in September 2014. Since 2020, the series has FIA world championship status.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season consists of a series of races, each known as an e-Prix. These take place in multiple countries and continents around the world, mostly on street circuits created specifically for Formula E on closed public roads in the centre of major cities, with a small number on iconic purpose-built circuits such as Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. A points system is used at each e-Prix to determine two annual World Championships: one for the drivers, and one for the constructors (the teams). Each driver must hold a valid e-Licence issued by the FIA to compete.

Formula E cars are the fastest regulated electric road-course racing cars in the world. Major changes made for the 2022–23 season in the development of the Gen3 car were delivered as software updates directly to the advanced operating system built into the car. The estimated top speed is 322 km/h (200 mph). The battery is also designed to be able to handle "flash-charging" at rates of up to 600 kW, allowing pitstop recharging into the championship for the first time. The wheelbase has been reduced from 3100 mm to 2970 mm and the weight reduced to 760 kg.

--- Tim Chambers
June 7, 2024, Summer in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Tim Chambers and Mark travel by metro to the Shanghai Formula E race, changing from Line 14 to Line 11 on a journey of about an hour. They visit the fan village and find seats overlooking the starting line. As the race unfolds, they comment on close competition and the McLaren team, learn more about the sport and watch a Jaguar driver win before returning by metro. The pair begin with little knowledge of Formula E but become more engaged as they watch the tightly grouped cars and discuss the race. Afterward they see a car up close and compare the event with Formula 1 in Shanghai.

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Shanghai FormulaE with a couple of numpties

Taking the metro to the Shanghai circuit

Tim Chambers and Mark set out for the Shanghai Formula E race by metro. Their trip takes them from the brightly lit Line 14 to the less modern Line 11, and the journey to the circuit outside the city center takes about an hour. On arrival they explore the fan village before finding seats in the grandstands. From there they can see the starting line and the circuit layout, which they describe as shaped like the word “Shang.” The fan area reminds them of the one at a Formula 1 race.

Watching Formula E from the stands

The pair arrive with limited knowledge of Formula E and talk through what they observe as the race develops. They notice the speed of the cars and the close-packed competition, as well as difficulties for the McLaren team. They also comment on the absence of pit stops. Their discussion changes as they become more familiar with the race, combining observations from the stands with their reactions to the action on track.

A Jaguar driver wins the race. Afterward the pair spend time around the fan zone and take a close look at a Formula E car, showing its size and design. They compare aspects of the event with Formula 1 in Shanghai before leaving the circuit. The return journey is also by metro, completing a day that includes both the race and the trip across the city to reach it.

The fan village is part of their visit before the race, and the fan zone remains a place to meet other spectators afterward. Their grandstand view lets them follow the start and the competition along the circuit.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How do Tim and Mark reach the circuit?
A: They take the metro, changing from Line 14 to Line 11.
Q: What can they see from the grandstands?
A: Their seats overlook the starting line and the track.
Q: Who wins the race?
A: A Jaguar driver wins.

Previous travel video:

Shanghai Formula E: Electric Racing in China

Tim Chambers experienced the thrill of Shanghai's Formula E race, reaching the circuit via metro. A fun, educational adventure!

Shanghai Formula E Race: Metro Ride & Circuit Thrills

Tim Chambers and Mark attended the Shanghai Formula E race, reaching the Shanghai circuit via the metro. Despite lacking knowledge of the rules, they enjoyed the experience. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship features electric cars racing on street circuits in major cities. The championship includes races known as e-Prix, awarding points for drivers and constructors. Formula E cars are high-speed, with a top speed of 322 km/h and advanced features like flash charging. The championship has global races and is considered the highest class of competition for electrically powered single-seater racing cars.

Attractions in this video: Shanghai Circuit