The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s first race on the African continent is only days away, and the City of Cape Town (CoCT) is gearing up for a massive event.
Also read: Formula E event projected to generate R2bn for the Cape
The Cape Town E-Prix is the culmination of more than five years of work between local Formula E promoters E-Movement, its partners and the CoCT.
Cape Town joins 11 other global cities for Season 9 of the Formula E World Championship, which opened in Mexico City last month.
Formula E cars run on 100 percent renewable energy, and there is a major focus on developing alternative energy solutions.
Staging Formula E in Cape Town will assist the City in raising awareness of the adverse effects of air pollution.
“We are positioning Cape Town as a leading city for renewable energy and a major event such as Formula E aligns perfectly with this strategic objective,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “A ticket to the event gives spectators more than just a race day experience as the festival also offers an E-Village dedicated to the fans.”
“These initiatives will assist in strengthening and growing the Western Cape’s strong green economy ecosystem.”
The Mother City is looking forward to putting its scenic route around the iconic Green Point Precinct under the shadow of Table Mountain to the test.
“We have been hard at work over the last few years to prepare the Green Point precinct and Cape Town is on track to deliver a spectacular race event for motorsport enthusiasts,” added Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith. “In addition to the extensive economic benefits for our city, this event’s legacy will deliver improved road infrastructure for the precinct which will benefit residents and allow for better access for non-motorised transport.”
“This all forms part of the event’s core goal to transition to a greener future.”
The E-Prix will see Formula E’s third-generation cars, which reach top speeds of 320kph, race on the track that runs from Vlei Road, down Beach Road in Mouille Point and Fritz Sonnenberg Road.
The 22 cars will race their way through the Green Point and Waterfront precincts, with Signal Hill and other famous Cape Town landmarks as the track backdrop.
The 2.94km, 12-turn track is predicted to be one of the fastest in the series.
As it stands, over 20,000 people are expected to line up in spectator areas along the track for Africa’s first E-Prix.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Supplied
