The first Formula E World Championship race in India is now being fully prepared at Necklace Road on the banks of Hussainsagar, Hyderabad.
Hyderabad Prepares for India’s First Formula E World Championship Race
For the Formula E championship, which will take place on February 10 and 11, a 2.37km-long circuit has been constructed. 22 drivers from 11 teams, from from different regions of the world, will compete and race electric single-seaters. In cooperation with the Telangana government, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is organising the event.
Before the major event, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) will host two races in collaboration with the Indian Racing League (IRL), one of which will serve as a test run for the track to determine its preparation for the race in February.
On November 19 and 20, as well as again on December 10 and 11, the first real-time test run will take place.
A top HMDA official reportedly told Hindustan Times that “at least 22 electric racing cars would participate in the trial run to ensure that the track is suited for the major event and that all the standards are satisfied as per the FIA specifications.”
Contrary to Formula I cars, which require dedicated tracks, he said that Formula E vehicles can reach speeds of 300 kmph on city circuits, particularly on black-topped roads.
The Hussainsagar lake development is still ongoing, though, as officials must make all the necessary preparations, such as building galleries to accommodate more than 35,000 spectators.
“Special safety equipment such as tech pro barriers, debris fences and other relevant track infrastructure are being installed around the rails to satisfy the severe safety standards,” the spokesman stated.
He said that Hyderabad would join already well-known race circuit cities like London, Paris, Monaco, and Berlin in gaining international reputation thanks to the championship.
The race will also demonstrate Hyderabad’s interest in sustainability and EV technology promotion, which are essential components of the Formula E competitions, he continued.
In addition to the major event, the Telangana government has also declared that they would organise a number of activities as part of Hyderabad e-mobility week from February 6 to 11. These events include the Hyderabad EV Summit, the Rall-E Hyderabad, and the Hyderabad E-Motor Show.
However, the Formula E in India has also attracted the attention of environmentalists who are opposed to the building because of potential negative effects on the environment.
According to the environmentalists, the construction of the racing track resulted in the removal of approximately 200 trees from the Hussainsagar lake’s borders.