Following an encouraging Monaco E-Prix, Envision Racing heads into a pivotal chapter of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season as the team returns to China for the first of three consecutive home races for team owners Envision Group.
Round 11 sees Formula E make its long-awaited return to Sanya for the first time since 2019, with the tropical island city hosting the opening event of a crucial Asian swing before back-to-back races in Shanghai.
After a seven-year absence, Formula E returns to the streets of Sanya on Hainan Island, with the Haitang Bay Circuit making its GEN3 Evo debut. While several drivers experienced the venue during Formula E’s sole previous visit, the combination of the latest generation cars and a revised circuit layout presents an entirely new challenge for the field.
THE CIRCUIT
The 2.5km circuit combines flowing opening corners with heavy braking zones and long acceleration areas, rewarding efficient energy management while creating opportunities for overtaking throughout the race. High temperatures and humidity are expected to make this one of the most physically demanding weekends of the season, adding another strategic element for teams and drivers alike.
Sanya marks the beginning of a unique three-race stretch for Envision Racing, with the team competing in Sanya before travelling to Shanghai for a double-header just two weeks later.
Envision Racing arrives in Sanya looking to continue building momentum after an encouraging Monaco weekend, where the team once again demonstrated the pace to fight inside the points. With four destinations on the Season 12 calendar remaining, every result will be increasingly important as both championships enter their decisive phase.
For Sébastien Buemi, Sanya is a circuit in which he has previous experience. The Swiss driver competed in the championship’s only previous visit to the Chinese venue back in Season 5 (2019), making him one of just eight drivers on this year’s grid to have raced at the Haitang Bay Circuit. While the layout has evolved for Formula E’s return, that prior experience could still prove valuable as the team adapts to the circuit over the weekend.
Buemi has shown encouraging speed throughout Season 12, claiming pole position in Mexico City before adding a podium finish in Jeddah. Although recent races have brought mixed fortunes – including a puncture that ended his Monaco challenge – the former Formula E Champion has consistently demonstrated the pace to fight at the front when opportunities arise.
Alongside him, Joel Eriksson continues to build an impressive debut campaign with Envision Racing. The Swedish driver has adapted quickly to Formula E, producing several standout performances during the opening half of the season and delivering another determined points finish in Monaco after fighting his way through the field. As he heads into his first visit to Sanya, Eriksson will be aiming to maintain that upward trajectory and help the team begin its home triple-header on a positive note.
The Sanya E-Prix weekend begins with Free Practice 1 on Friday, before qualifying and Round 11 take place on Saturday.
