15 Things You Didn’t Know About the Formula E Cape Town E-Prix

14 Feb 2023

New to the action-packed world of Formula E?  Here are 15 things you didn’t know about the Formula E Cape Town E-Prix!

  1. It’s been a long time coming: Many have tried – and failed – to bring a world-class motorsport event to South Africa over the past few decades. This dream is now going to become a reality, with the first open wheel, all electric street circuit race in SA, taking place on 25 February. 
  2. The all-new Gen3 cars are making their debut in Season 9, promising power and speed unlike anything seen before. 
  3. Gen3 racing cars can reach speeds of up to 320kph. 
  4. Cape Town is projected to be the fastest circuit of Season 9. 
  5. Formula E is the only nett zero motor racing series in the world.  
  6. The 2023 ABB Formula E comprises 16 races: Mexico, Saudi Arabia (x2), India, South Africa, Brazil, Germany (x2), Monaco, Indonesia (x2), USA, Italy (x2), London (x2) 
  7. In addition to 22 drivers, the Formula E ecosystem brings up to 5,000 people to each race, while local and international fans add significantly to this number.  
  8. Kelvin van der Linde (team ABT) is the first South African driver to be a part of the Formula E. (note – it is not yet confirmed if he will race on 25 Feb). 
  9. The track comprises 2,100 barriers. 1,877 of these barriers are 4m wide and weigh 4.2 tonnes.  The debris fencing system sits within and on top of these barriers. Each 4m debris fence panel weighs close to 250kg. 
  10. Five bridges with up to 10m I-beam spans had to be manufactured specifically for the race. Three of these bridges will be serviced by lifts for disabled and/ or physically challenged fans.  
  11. 11 bespoke garages have been manufactured – one for each team. 
  12. The Formula E Emotion Club hospitality structure is the most sophisticated high-end structure ever built in South Africa.   
  13. E-Fest Cape Town comprises two supporting events during Race Week that celebrates all things alternative energy and green economy.  
    • Africa’s Green Economy Summit (22 – 24 February) serves to connect the global investor community, project owners and business executives focused on green transport, renewable energy and clean technologies, together with African governments, cities, and policy makers to pave the way for an inclusive green economy and a sustainable future. 
    • E-Fest Electric (25 February) is a series of curated activities and entertainment created to celebrate sustainability, alternative e-mobility, and renewable energy solutions. Cape Town E-Prix ticket holders have free access to this event. 
  14. The event is perfect for families. In addition to the discounted family packages on offer, the General Access Fan Village will offer a range of activities and entertainment throughout the day, including a Kids Zone with art and craft activities and an inflatable football pitch, food vendors, giant screens to follow the race, beer gardens, live performances by DJ Zinhle and Amy Jones, and more.  PLUS – see the winners up close; the podium ceremony will take place at the A-Track Fan Village. That’s a full day of awesome action and entertainment for ONLY R350 per person.
  15. Families can take up the discounted Family Ticket package! The Granger Bay family grandstand has already sold out, so head to Ticketmaster.co.za now, and scoop up the last of the Helen Suzman Boulevard Family Grandstand tickets!