FIA World Rallycross Championship confirms electric race finale in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is expected to host the FIA World Rallycross Championship season finale on November 11-12 this year. The city will be the last stop of the eight-part, all-electric international motorsport series.
First held in 2014, the FIA Championship uniquely combines elements of rallying and circuit racing, with drivers competing on closed circuits with dirt and tarmac sections. The high-speed, high-adrenaline event has gained traction among motorsport fans since its inception.
On the Hong Kong leg of the event, racing begins at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. The one-kilometer track will be half mud, half tarmac, with five electric cars battling it out for victory at the start line of each race. A grandstand will be built around the circuit to accommodate spectators while they are immersed in the action.
acceleration ahead
With a history stretching back to 2014, the race has seen numerous notable riders cross the finish line. Rally legends Petter Solberg and Sebastien Loeb have competed in previous editions of the race.
And as the world at large becomes more environmentally conscious and embraces electric cars, these vehicles are becoming more powerful, faster and more agile. Electric vehicles have gained an advantage in racing with their improved battery technology, range and overall performance.
In addition to the FIA, there have also been various major electric racing series that have gained prominence over the past decade. Also introduced in 2014, Formula E, which had previously also found its way onto the streets of Hong Kong, is one of the most well-known international races. Others, like the Electric GT World Series and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, also take the eclectic car to the forefront of racing.
In addition to the instantaneous torque that electric cars can use to accelerate almost instantly, and fewer moving parts that make them lighter and less prone to breakdowns, the cars’ quiet engines and zero emissions make electric racing suitable for cities like Hong Kong.
For these reasons, Lung-Nien Lee, FIA Vice President Asia-Pacific says the city fully supports the organization’s efforts to bring racing to the iconic Victoria Harbourfront. “It is the FIA’s mission and responsibility to lead motorsport towards a low-carbon future, reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a greener planet,” he says.
FIA World Rallycross Championship schedule
Seven cities will host the races ahead of the series’ eighth and final stop in Hong Kong. The series begins in June in Portugal and continues through Europe, stopping in Cape Town, South Africa before ending in Hong Kong.
2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar
3rd-4th June World RX of Portugal – Montalegre
17-18 June World RX of Norway – Hell
1st-2nd July World RX of Sweden – Höljes
22-23 July World RX of United Kingdom – Lydden Hill
5th-6th August World RX of Benelux – Mettet
19-20 August World RX of Germany – Estering
7th-8th October World RX of South Africa – Cape Town
11-12 November World RX of China – Hong Kong
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