This weekend (15-16 July), the two FIA Formula E Championship races around Red Hook, Brooklyn, will mark the first time an FIA-sanction motor sport event has taken place in the global metropolis of New York City. The event undoubtedly marks one of the high-points in what has already been a hugely successful third season for the all-electric series.

Bringing Formula E to the streets of arguably the world’s ultimate urban centre achieves all of the goals that were set out by FIA President Jean Todt when the concept was first created. For the first time ever, millions of New Yorkers will see a top-level motor sport event happening right on their doorstep, bringing the passion and excitement of racing to a huge group of potential new fans.

As well as seeing the first motor sport event in the Big Apple, Formula E also brings with it a number of key messages of environmental sustainability and electric mobility which are rapidly becoming the most important talking points of the automotive world. With Formula E at the cutting edge of technological development in this area, consumers, businesses and policy-makers in New York will all have first-hand experience of the future after this weekend.

The challenging 1.95 kilometre circuit, which features 10 turns, passes along the waterfront neighbourhood of Red Hook, setting rounds 9 and 10 of the season against the stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. With a number of key overtaking opportunities, as well as some tight, tricky chicanes, the inaugural New York City ePrix is certain to provide some unpredictable and exciting racing.

This weekend the timetable will be different to normal. While Saturday’s activities will happen according to the normal schedule, Sunday’s action will begin earlier to allow for the race to be broadcast live in the USA.

The event also marks a crucial and intriguing moment in the 2016/17 championship battle. Championship leader Sebastien Buemi is absent from the contest, leaving his main rival Lucas di Grassi with a golden opportunity to close the points deficit which currently stands at 32 points. The double-header of races offers up a potential 58 points, meaning that a successful weekend for Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport’s di Grassi will almost certainly see the title fight go down to the wire at the final event in Montreal.

Substituting for Buemi at Renault e.dams will be Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who alongside teammate Nicolas Prost will be aiming for the podium at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to grab as many points as possible. DS Virgin Racing’s Jose Maria Lopez will also be absent from this event, meaning that the team’s development driver Alex Lynn will get the opportunity to show what he can do behind the wheel of the race car for the first time.

After a breakthrough event last time out in Berlin which saw Mahindra take its first FIA Formula E Championship race win with Felix Rosenqvist, the team will be looking to carry its momentum forward on the streets of New York City. Had it not been for a mix-up in the pit stop phase it would likely have been a double win for the Swedish driver, and a repeat performance this weekend could put him right in contention for the title deciding finale.

While there are no American drivers in this year’s Formula E driver line-up, two of the teams have the New York event as a home race.

MS Amlin Andretti’s pairing Antonio Felix da Costa and Robin Frijns will be aiming to break back into the top ten in front of their home fans, while Faraday Future Dragon Racing will be hoping to reverse their fortunes having had a tough time in recent events, with Jerome D’Ambrosio and Loic Duval targeting a points haul that will lift Jay Penske’s squad from the bottom of the teams’ standings.

The unprecedented opportunity of racing in this global city will see Formula E and its teams undertaking a number of exciting pre-event activities, so New Yorkers are encouraged to keep an eye out for the stars and cars of Formula E all week long.

Event Timetable

SATURDAY, July 15

08:00 - 08:45: PRACTICE 1

10:00: Qualifying group lottery, Podium / Allianz eVillage

10:30 - 11:00: PRACTICE 2

12:00 - 12:06: QUALIFYING GROUP 1
12:10 - 12:16: QUALIFYING GROUP 2
12:20 - 12:26: QUALIFYING GROUP 3
12:30 - 12:36: QUALIFYING GROUP 4
12:45 - 13:00: SUPER POLE

13:45 - 14:00: eRace, Gaming Zone / Allianz eVillage

14:00 - 14:30: Autograph session, Gaming Zone / Allianz eVillage

15:00 - 15:10: Driver parade

16:00: Berlin ePRIX (44 laps)

17:05: Podium ceremony, Podium

18:10: Qualifying group lottery, Podium / Allianz eVillage

SUNDAY, July 16

07:00 - 07:45: PRACTICE 1

09:00 - 09:06: QUALIFYING GROUP 1
09:10 - 09:16: QUALIFYING GROUP 2
09:20 - 09:26: QUALIFYING GROUP 3
09:30 - 09:36: QUALIFYING GROUP 4
09:45 - 10:00: SUPER POLE

10:45 - 11:00: eRace, Gaming Zone / Allianz eVillage

11:00 - 11:30: Autograph session, Gaming Zone / Allianz eVillage

12:00 - 12:10: Driver parade

13:00: Berlin ePRIX (46 laps)

14:05: Podium ceremony, Podium

Championship standings

Entry List