Five storylines ahead of the Sanya E-Prix

 Credit: Sam Bagnall / LAT Images

Formula E’s return to Sanya has been highly anticipated amongst drivers, media personnel and fans alike. Last time the series visited the city, only eight drivers on the grid today were racing in Formula E. 

It’s a step into the unknown for the 12 who were establishing themselves across series such as DTM, Formula 2 and the junior racing ladder. But what are the key storylines to look out for, ahead of the weekend? 

The return to Sanya

Ahead of Season 12, Formula E announced that they were returning to the Chinese city of Sanya, a circuit that was last raced on in Season 5, seven years ago. When the championship last visited the circuit, it was Oliver Rowland who achieved pole position, but then reigning champion Jean-Éric Vergne took the victory. 

The grid has transformed significantly since, now featuring six world champions, and a similarly high calibre of talent. 

This weekend also marks the beginning of the Asian leg of the season, with five races over the next month, as the all-electric series travels to Sanya, Shanghai and Tokyo. These races will be vital for the championship battles, as drivers can earn significant points over the course of the races.

The last race in Sanya witnessed plenty of drama, with only 13 out of 22 cars making it to the chequered flag. Several drivers found themselves in race-ending collisions, with a multitude of penalties handed out. 

Out of the three drivers on the podium, all three will be returning this weekend to once again contend the Sanya E-Prix - race-winner Vergne, second-placed Rowland and as well as António Félix da Costa, who finished third on the day.

Mitch Evans, championship leader

Mitch Evans is one of the few drivers who has raced at Sanya - the New Zealander was in only his third Formula E season back then. He qualified 20th, but climbed 11 places to finish ninth in 2019. 

Since then, Evans has won 16 races, making him the driver with the most victories in the championship. Although he is yet to become champion, he has been in the fight before and is surely desperate to win the title in his last season as a Jaguar driver. 

As the championship leader, he may feel extra pressure from challengers such as Rowland and Edoardo Mortara, who are currently second and third in the standings, but a 19-point margin going into the weekend gives him a healthy cushion from the rest.

Redemption for Dan Ticktum?

Credit: Simon Galloway/LAT Images

After securing both pole positions in Monaco, Dan Ticktum looked set to have a weekend of success however it didn’t go according to plan. He finished the races in 12th and 14th positions and will surely be hoping for better results in Sanya. 

Ticktum has not been quiet about the struggles that both he and Cupra Kiro have faced, even receiving a reprimand from his team for his actions. Although Monaco seemed to show more of a positive change, with the Briton grabbing two poles. If the Spanish team do continue to build on what they already have, it may mean more points finishes and potential podiums.

Vergne’s past success in the Sanya E-Prix

Last time in Sanya, Vergne was a defending world champion who, despite his rocky start to the season, was able to win the race. Yet, despite his title-winning success in the past, Vergne has scored only a single race victory in the Gen3 era, at Hyderabad in Season 9.

The Frenchman has endured a more difficult start to his time with Citroën, scoring only 14 points in Season 12 and sitting 16th. Will the French driver be able to recover his run of form at a site of success? Season 12’s debutants certainly can fight at the front, but it will be exciting to see if the veteran driver will be able to rekindle old successes. 

Will prior visits bring an advantage in Sanya?

Some may say that the eight drivers who have raced in Sanya before have an advantage, however it is unlikely that they do given the significant differences in cars from then compared to now. 

The Gen2 car was over 30mph slower than the Gen3 Evo and the powertrain was rear only. Even more so, the pole time in Sanya back then was a 1:07.945, set by Rowland. With a much quicker car that has better cornering abilities, it remains to be seen if lap times dip below the 55-second mark. 

Additionally, with the constantly changing Formula E calendar, drivers may not fully remember the layout of the track, and have had to do significant preparation.

Additionally, drivers may have used simulators to help with getting to grips with the track. The Formula E grid will have been preparing for this weekend for a long time, using cutting-edge technology to allow them to learn the circuits prior to visiting them. 

The Sanya E-Prix will take place this Saturday at 15:05 local time (08:05 BST). Do tune in to watch the action unfold!

Edited by Vyas Ponnuri