Formula E returns to the Sanya Street Circuit for Round 11 of the 2025/26 season, marking the series’ first visit to the Chinese island in seven years. The event features a revised track layout tailored for the GEN3 era, prioritizing high-speed sections and overtaking opportunities at the tight hairpins that defined the circuit’s original 2018/19 debut.
How has the Sanya Street Circuit layout changed?
The circuit has undergone a reconfiguration of its opening sequence compared to the Season 5 layout. According to official Formula E reports, the first three corners are now all left-handers, leading directly into a wide Turn 5 hairpin. This shift is designed to better accommodate the performance characteristics of the GEN3 cars. Following the hairpin, drivers face a straight leading into Turns 6 and 7, followed by a long run toward the tight Turn 9 hairpin. The lap concludes with a similar sequence leading to a final 90-degree left-hand corner before the start-finish straight.
Only eight drivers on the current 2025/26 grid have previous racing experience at the Sanya Street Circuit, making track knowledge a significant variable for this weekend’s performance.
Who holds the precedent for success in Sanya?
Jean-Eric Vergne, driving for DS Techeetah, secured the victory during the series’ last visit in the 2018/19 season. Formula E records indicate that Vergne utilized superior energy management to overtake then-leader Oliver Rowland, who had secured the Julius Baer Pole Position earlier that weekend. Vergne’s victory in Sanya served as a catalyst for his championship run that season. While the field has evolved significantly, the tactical requirement for energy conservation remains a core component of the GEN3 racing formula.
What are the key technical challenges for drivers?
The Sanya track is characterized by a mix of high-speed sections and demanding hairpins. Data from the series suggests that the current layout is intended to encourage overtaking, particularly on the long run between Turn 7 and the Turn 9 hairpin. Because the circuit has been absent from the calendar for seven years, teams must rely on simulation data to optimize energy deployment strategies. The transition from the high-speed stretches to the tight, technical corners requires a precise balance of mechanical grip and efficient regenerative braking.
Quick Reference: Sanya E-Prix Schedule
- Free Practice 1: Friday 19 June, 16:30 local
- Free Practice 2: Saturday 20 June, 08:30 local
- Qualifying: Saturday 20 June, 10:40 local
- Race: Saturday 20 June, 15:05 local
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Formula E last race in Sanya?
The series last visited Sanya during the 2018/19 season, which was the fifth season of the championship.
Where can I watch the 2026 Lianxin Sanya E-Prix?
Viewers can check local broadcaster listings via the official Formula E website or the “Ways to Watch” portal on the series’ app.
Is the track layout different from previous years?
Yes, the first three corners have been redesigned as left-handers to suit the current GEN3 vehicle specifications.
The championship fight is intensifying as the season progresses. To stay updated on all the latest standings, exclusive interviews, and trackside reports, visit the official Formula E website or download the app today. Have a prediction for this weekend’s race? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
