FEBRUARY | PREVIEW
Head of attractions at ExCeL, Damian
Norman said: “It goes without saying
that there are numerous challenges to
staging a high-speed race in an events
venue, but ExCeL is versatile and
adaptable and it’s incredibly exciting to
be turning an events and exhibitions
centre into a world class racetrack.”
ExCeL has had to increase the size
of some of one its gates to 14m, to
accommodate delivery of the racetrack.
The venue also has to add a surface
treatment to the floor in the South halls
to ensure grip and stability for the cars.
Norman explains: “Ordinary
exhibition hall floor surfacing doesn’t
offer nearly enough grip for these high-
speed cars, so a textured layer is being
applied to 9,000sqm of surface. We are
also having to drill 680 holes to secure
new duct channel plates to the floor.
Downforce from the cars would rip the
existing duct channel plates out of the
ground, so these are being replaced and
secured along the track way.
“Preperation work is also being
undertaken in the car park of the Aloft
hotel, at the Eastern end of the venue, as
turn 15 of the circuit will run through
that part of the estate. In addition, we’re
widening some of the existing ramps and
roadways around the venue to ensure the
track will meet FIA width requirements.”
Visitors will also be given access to the
Allianz EVillage, a new B2C exhibition
showcasing electric cars and other
sustainable products ensuring a strong
emphasis on sustainability.
Norman explains that despite the
hospitality being hosted by Formula E,
every step is being taken to ensure the
wider community are involved in the
Races take place in these cities:
Berlin
Rome
Jakarta
Marrakesh
Diriyah
Santiago
London
Seoul
Sanya
Where did the idea come from?
In 2011, FIA President Jean
Todt and Spanish businessman
Alejandro Agag scribbled a few
notes on the back of a napkin at
a restaurant in Paris. Within three
year’s the first race took place at
Olympic Park in Beijing.
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