The circuit failed to meet regulations set forth by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). FIA regulations require tracks to be 2.2 km (1.4 mi) long but the Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit was only 1.860 km (1.156 mi) long. [2] The FIA required Hong Kong to extend the circuit to 2.2 km (1.4 mi) for the 2019–20 season, in which two more teams were expected to enter the E-Prix.[2]Lawrence Yu, governor of the Hong Kong Automobile Association, cited difficulties in extending the track to the west as the Hong Kong station on the western side of the circuit links up the city with the airport. An extension to the east of the circuit through a tunnel was considered too dangerous for the cars to be running at high speeds along a straight road before they enter the tunnel.[2]
The Hong Kong ePrix was eventually dropped from the 2019–20 season on the ground of continued protests in the city.[3]
World Rallycross Championship
Main article: World RX of Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong was selected to host the final two rounds of the 2023 season in World RX in March 2023.[4] A 1.225 km (0.761 mi) circuit was designed on the Central Harbourfront, using parts of public roads used by the Formula E circuit. Gravel sections of the rallycross circuit were laid on the Central Harbourfront Event Space.[5] Last-minute track alterations were made one day prior to the race weekend. The circuit was shortened to 0.802 km (0.498 mi) by dropping the two longest asphalt straights from the layout.[6]
Lap records
As of November 2023, the fastest official race lap records at the Hong Kong Central Harbourfront Circuit are listed as:
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Johan Kristoffersson, ZEROID X1, 2023, RX1e)
Andre Lotterer, DS E-Tense FE 19, 2019, F-E)
