Credit: FIA Formula E
Ahead of the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix in season 10, Formula E are already planning the Japanese city’s second race in the all-electric series, pencilled in for 17 May 2025.
Formula E is increasing its presence in Asia for its centurion campaign by heading to the Japanese capital for the first time, in what is a race all of the drivers are excited about.
The sport’s inaugural race in Japan will take place on 30 March 2024 and will host the sixth round of the 2024 Formula E World Championship. Having an event in Tokyo is clearly incredibly important to the all-electric series, as plans are already in place for the city to feature on the season 11 calendar.
As is the case for the first-ever Formula E race in Japan next March, Tokyo’s second race in 2025 will also be in cooperation with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The event is pending approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council, who will announce the provisional season 11 calendar in June 2024. The season 11 Tokyo race is also pending approval by the host ASN, JAF.
Formula E announcing the intent of returning in 2025 comes not long after the circuit for the inaugural race was revealed, with it set to be an absolute classic. A 2.852km street track has been devised around the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre, which sits just a handful of minutes away from downtown Tokyo.
The Exhibition Centre is Japan’s largest venue and is known as ‘Tokyo Big Sight’, meaning the race will have a phenomenal backdrop. 18 corners will face the 22 drivers, varying from tight 90-degree corners to fast-flowing sections. Overtaking is expected to be more than possible, thanks to three straights.
Above: Tokyo will mark Nissan’s first-ever Formula E home race – Credit: Sam Bagnall courtesy of FIA Formula E
Formula E’s paddock in Tokyo is also set to be a stunner, as it’ll be located on the Tokyo Bay waterfront. To add to the excitement, Formula E’s trip to Tokyo will mark the first time that the city will close public roads for a World Championship event.
For many, Tokyo has the potential to become Formula E’s crown jewel, with it being an event which some have wanted to see for years.
“We are excited to unveil the track for the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix and are confident it will create a unique challenge for the 22 drivers in Formula E to showcase their elite driving skills and give fans in Tokyo an experience they will never forget,” said Formula E Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo.
“We are honoured to be the first motorsport world championship to race on the streets of Tokyo.”
It’s not just the fans that are excited about Tokyo, the drivers also can’t wait to get to the Japanese city. Reigning World Champion Jake Dennis believes that Tokyo is the “standout race” on the season 10 calendar, with him expecting the event to be “very, very special”.
“I think Tokyo is definitely the standout race in the calendar,” Dennis told Formula E during testing. “I’ll probably speak on behalf of everyone there. It’s great that we get into the race in such a prestigious country. Obviously the city of Tokyo is going to be very, very special.
Keyword: Formula E already planning return to Tokyo in 2025