Formula E is coming to India for the very first time, with the Hyderabad E-Prix scheduled for February 11. Autocar India recently caught up with former Mahindra Racing team principal-turned Ace Nxt Gen (the official promoters of the race) CEO Dilbagh Gill to get more insights into the race.
So whether you’re attending in person or tuning in from home, here’s everything you need to know about the Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix.
Formula E Hyderabad track
In line with Formula E’s goal to bring racing to the city centres, the Hyderabad E-Prix will be held on a street circuit alongside the Hussain Sagar Lake. The 2.835km long circuit also winds through Lumbini Park and features a total of 18 corners.
We’ll have to wait till February 10 to see the Formula E cars out on track, but Gill believes fans and drivers will be in for an exciting race.“It’s a technical circuit, like what we saw in Riyadh, but I think this will take it to the next level because we are going to see some high-speed stuff. There are one or two slow corners like the hairpin bend, etc. But overall, turns 1, 2 and 14 are we are going to see some difference between the drivers in terms of their capabilities,” he explained.
Given his nine-year stint at the helm of Mahindra Racing, Gill is no stranger to the world of Formula E. But he’s on the other side of the fence now, in charge of organising India’s first-ever Formula E race. “I have a lot more respect for Formula E now,” he quips.
“In Hyderabad, we’re not really disrupting any residents since it’s the park area. Despite all of that it’s been quite a logistical challenge. I’ve been here for a month and it’s been 16-18 [work] hours every day. But we’re enjoying it!”
Gill further highlighted that “the various nodal agencies – Central and State, have really stepped up to help on this event”. For example, clearances have been given to ensure that all the Formula E cars can land at Hyderabad airport directly to help the logistical part of it all. “I’m pretty positive that it’s going to be a lovely event.”
Formula E Hyderabad tickets
The venue has a grandstand capacity for around 20,000 spectators, and the tickets are divided into multiple categories.
At the time of writing, the Rs 1,000 Grandstand and Rs 4,000 Charged Grandstand tickets have already sold out. The Premium Grandstand (Rs 7,000) and Ace Grandstand (Rs 10,500) tickets are still available, though. There’s also the Ace Lounge package for a whopping Rs 1.25 lakh. Those interested in buying tickets for the Hyderabad E-Prix can click here.
It’s quite a vast price range for the tickets, but Gill says the logic behind this was to ensure that everyone who wants to attend has an option. “We have actually subsidised quite a few tickets also, which we are selling,” he explains. “We just want to make sure that for anyone who is interested, the affordability should be there.”
Formula E Hyderabad schedule
| Hyderabad E-Prix schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Session | Time |
| February 10 | Free Practice 1 | 16:25-17:25 |
| February 11 | Free Practice 2 | 8:05-8:55 |
| February 11 | Qualifying | 10:40-11:55 |
| February 11 | Drivers Parade | 13:40-13:55 |
| February 11 | Race | 15:00-16:30 |
Formula E Hyderabad Fan Village
Activities won’t be limited to the track alone. There will also be an Allianz Fan Village that will host a variety of activities, including exhibitions from manufacturers like Mahindra and Formula E.
There will also be a gaming arena, kids zone, food and beverage counters, and plenty of stage acts.
Dipan Sur
