Will Formula E gain popularity in Japan or will its race in Tokyo be seen as a unique and peculiar event, reminiscent of the Takeshi’s Castle show?
As it stands, the championship achieved what many thought impossible by hosting a race in Tokyo last Saturday. This city is not only the most densely populated in the world, but also notoriously challenging to organize events, even on a small scale.
The race did not take place on typical city streets full of ordinary people, nor did it require the cooperation of companies or vendors. Instead, it was held in the Big Site area in the Ariake district, an expansive exhibition zone without residential population.
To give you an idea, imagine the ExCeL in London spread out over an even larger area. Admittedly, this was not the most picturesque part of the city, and on a rainy and gloomy Friday morning, someone in the paddock joked that it resembled Red Hook, Brooklyn, which hosted the New York City E-Prix from 2017 to 2022. The industrial and business atmosphere didn’t immediately scream “Tokyo.”
However, that didn’t matter much because, with skillful TV direction using helicopter shots and enthusiastic presenters, Formula E successfully conveyed the excitement of the race to the world. Prior to the event, the series even filmed a parody of Tokyo Drift, and there were numerous cherry blossom-themed paintings and activations, despite the delayed blooming caused by the persistent winter.
All involved were simply thrilled to be in Tokyo. This race was a long-awaited achievement for Formula E, as it had been pursued since 2013, when Alejandro Agag and Alberto Longo identified the Japanese capital as an ideal location. However, it took a decade to overcome the intricate legislative and bureaucratic processes necessary to obtain permits for events in Japan. Months and years of lobbying and discussions were needed to make it a reality.
The fact that the race took place is a testament to the determination of the Formula E race organization team. Now, the question arises among the industry’s key figures: will this become a permanent event on the Formula E calendar? Formula E cannot afford to have one-off races like Seoul, Hyderabad, Montreal, or Cape Town. It needs consistent standout races that happen annually, ideally at the same time every year.
The circuit itself had its rustic elements, but as a street circuit (or rather, an exhibition area circuit), it could get away with it. There were bumps and uneven surfaces, and Turn 1 had a water drainage issue that caused excess rainwater to splash onto the track. The initial spectator capacity was limited to 8,500, but authorities allowed an increase, and Formula E reported an attendance of 20,000 people.
Now, attention turns to the legacy of this inaugural race and how it can grow exponentially until the Gen4 era, which begins in 2026/27. A longer and wider circuit is likely to be needed, and plans for expansion and potential modifications are already underway to enhance the racing experience.
The CEO of Formula E, Jeff Dodds, confirmed that the plan is to have the Tokyo E-Prix as a multi-year event. The support from the city governor and the country’s prime minister indicates a strong commitment to the race. Additionally, the event was part of a larger festival focused on sustainability and zero-emission initiatives.
Although the circuit received positive feedback from drivers overall, the lack of overtaking opportunities was a concern. However, there were still some impressive overtakes during the race, avoiding a repeat of what happened in the Hyderabad race in February. The challenging aspects of the circuit, such as the drop down the ramp at Turn 3, added character and excitement to the race. It was a reminder that street races can be unpredictable and thrilling, and drivers like Oliver Rowland, Sergio Sette Camara, and Edoardo Mortara showcased their skills in this environment.
One idea that has been considered is to host a night race in Tokyo. This would create a spectacle full of neon lights, reflecting on Tokyo Bay and illuminating the city of Chiba. Although it would be a significant expense, the impact and appeal of a night race would be immense. Oliver McCrudden, Vice President of Formula E for host cities, believes that a night race in the Asian region would benefit the European audience due to the time difference and potentially attract American viewers as well.
After the race, there was still a sense of excitement among the spectators. Tommaso Volpe, from Nissan, expressed his satisfaction, stating that racing in Tokyo was a dream come true. The question now is whether this dream race can become a long-term success for Formula E. The initial response and the energy around the event have been overwhelmingly positive, with sold-out tickets and enthusiastic support from manufacturers. Formula E hopes to maintain this level of excitement for the next ten years and beyond.
© 2024
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Real Madrid! After a stint at Manchester United, the Portuguese ace returns to the Spanish club for another season. The news was confirmed today by Real Madrid officials, who are excited about the player’s return.
Ronaldo, 39, played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018, winning numerous titles and becoming one of the greatest idols in the club’s history. His departure in 2018 was marked by controversies, but now he returns with the mission of helping Real Madrid regain the Champions League title.
Real Madrid fans are ecstatic about Ronaldo’s return. On social media, supporters expressed their happiness and anticipation for the new season. Many believe that the Portuguese star still has a lot to offer the club and are confident in his performance.
Aside from Real Madrid, other European clubs were also interested in signing Ronaldo, but the player chose to return to the club where he made history. The negotiation was quickly concluded and Ronaldo is already training with his new teammates.
Ronaldo’s debut in this new spell at Real Madrid is scheduled for next month, when the club will face Barcelona in an exciting classic. Fans can hardly wait to see the star in action again and are eager for the start of the season. Will Ronaldo be able to lead Real Madrid back to the top of European football? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: his return promises a lot of excitement and great plays.
