Citroën Racing Formula E Team returns to action this weekend as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship resumes in Sanya, China, following a short break after the Monaco double-header.
The championship’s return to the tropical island of Hainan marks Formula E’s first visit to Sanya since Season 5 in 2019 and begins a crucial Asian leg of the calendar that could prove decisive in the fight for the world title.
Formula E returns to Sanya after seven years
Located on the southern coast of Hainan Island, the Sanya Haitang Bay Circuit is one of the most distinctive venues on the Formula E calendar. The 2.52-kilometre temporary street circuit features 12 corners and runs in an anti-clockwise direction.
The layout combines long straights, heavy braking zones, technical sections and tight hairpins, creating multiple overtaking opportunities while placing a strong emphasis on energy management and regenerative braking strategies.
Teams are also preparing for challenging weather conditions, with high temperatures expected throughout the weekend. Managing tyre performance, energy efficiency and changing track conditions will be critical factors in determining the outcome of the race.
Citroën aiming to rebound after Monaco
The French team arrives in China focused on improving its performance after a demanding weekend in Monaco. Engineers and drivers have spent the break analysing data from the Principality in an effort to identify areas for improvement ahead of the next phase of the season.
With the championship remaining highly competitive and margins between teams exceptionally small, every practice session, qualifying run and race decision could have a significant impact on the standings.
Team Principal Cyril Blais said the team had used the time since Monaco to prepare for the very different demands of the Sanya circuit.
“Sanya marks the beginning of an important phase of the season and it’s good to see Formula E returning to a circuit with such unique characteristics. After Monaco, the team has spent time analysing the data and understanding the areas where we can improve,” he said.
“The conditions in Sanya will present a very different challenge with high temperatures, long straights and a strong focus on energy management, so preparation and execution across the weekend will be extremely important.”
Vergne returns to a memorable venue
The return to Sanya brings particularly positive memories for two-time Formula E champion Jean-Éric Vergne.
When the series last raced at the circuit in 2019, the French driver secured victory in what became a pivotal moment in his season. The win helped launch a comeback that ultimately resulted in his second consecutive Formula E world title.
Despite that success, Vergne believes the challenge will be very different this time around.
“Sanya is a circuit I remember well. The last time Formula E raced there, it was an important moment in my season, but a lot has changed since then. The cars are different, the championship is even more competitive and the level across the grid is incredibly high,” he said.
“It’s a track that can create interesting races because energy management plays such a big role. As always in Formula E, the challenge is to find the right balance between pushing and being efficient.”
Cassidy faces a new challenge
For teammate Nick Cassidy, the race weekend will provide his first experience of the Sanya circuit in Formula E competition.
While extensive simulator preparation has helped build familiarity with the track, Cassidy expects real-world conditions to present additional challenges once running begins.
“Whenever you go to a circuit you haven’t raced at before, there are always a few unknowns,” Cassidy said. “Sanya looks like a circuit where energy management, braking and race execution will be particularly important.”
With the Asian portion of the championship now underway and valuable points at stake, Citroën Racing Formula E Team will be looking to translate its preparation into a stronger performance as the battle for championship positions intensifies.
