The all-electric series returns to the Chinese venue for the first time since Season 5 in 2019.
The trip to Sanya also marks the beginning of an important Asian phase of the Championship, with a series of races across the region set to play a key role in shaping the title battles.
Located on the tropical island of Hainan, the Sanya Haitang Bay Circuit offers one of the most unique layouts on the Formula E calendar. The 2.520km temporary street circuit, featuring 12 turns and running in an anticlockwise direction, combines long straights, heavy braking zones, tight hairpins and technical sections, creating multiple overtaking opportunities while placing a strong emphasis on energy management and regeneration.
Weather conditions are also expected to play a significant role throughout the weekend. High temperatures and constantly evolving grip levels could have a major impact on tyre behavior, energy efficiency and overall race management.
Following a particularly demanding Monaco double-header, Citroën Racing Formula E Team heads to China determined to build on the lessons learned in the Principality and convert them into a stronger performance in Sanya.
The return to Sanya will also bring back positive memories for Jean-Éric Vergne. During Formula E’s previous visit to the venue in 2019, the Frenchman claimed victory in a race that proved to be a turning point in his season. After a challenging start to the campaign, Vergne went on to secure his second consecutive Formula E World Championship title later that year.
Meanwhile, teammate Nick Cassidy will experience the Sanya circuit for the first time in his Formula E career as he takes on one of the championship’s most distinctive venues.
With margins across the field remaining tighter than ever, both Jean-Éric Vergne and Nick Cassidy will be aiming to maximize every session from the very beginning of the race weekend.
Citroën Racing Formula E Team Principal Cyril Blais said:
“Sanya marks the beginning of an important phase of the season and it’s good to see Formula E returning to a circuit with such unique characteristics. After Monaco, the team has spent time analyzing the data and understanding the areas where we can improve. The conditions in Sanya will present a very different challenge with high temperatures, long straights and a strong focus on energy management, so preparation and execution across the weekend will be extremely important.
“The championship remains incredibly competitive, and we know how small the margins are. Our objective is to maximize every session from the beginning of the weekend and continue building consistency and performance as a team.”
Citroën Racing Formula E Team Driver Nick Cassidy said:
“Whenever you go to a circuit you haven’t raced at before, there are always a few unknowns. We’ve done plenty of preparation work in the simulator, which helps build a picture of what to expect, but it never tells the whole story.
“Sanya looks like a circuit where energy management, braking and race execution will be particularly important. The challenge is to take everything you’ve learned virtually and apply it in the real world as quickly as possible once the weekend starts.”
Citroën Racing Formula E Team Driver Jean-Éric Vergne:
“Sanya is a circuit I remember well. The last time Formula E raced there, it was an important moment in my season, but a lot has changed since then. The cars are different; the championship is even more competitive and the level across the grid is incredibly high.
“It’s a track that can create interesting races because energy management plays such a big role. As always in Formula E, the challenge is to find the right balance between pushing and being efficient. We know where we need to improve after Monaco and the objective now is to put ourselves in a position to fight at the front again.”
