Exhibition News February 2020 | Page 17

Cover Feature EXCEL-ERATING THE FORMULA E N E d i to r S au l L e e s e ex p l o re s E x C e L’s d e a l w i t h A BB F I A Fo r mu l a E to h o s t t h e w o r l d’s f i r s t r ac e, to r u n par tially indoors Words: Saul Leese T he atmosphere in London will be electrifying as the capital’s largest venue is transformed into the world’s first partially indoor racetrack this summer. Over 60,000 people are expected to attend the ABB FIA Formula E Championship which will be held for the first time at ExCeL London on 25-26 July. The Docklands venue will close for the two days while drivers negotiate the 19 corners around 2.4km indoor/outdoor track. ***** Formula E is expected to give F1 a run for its money, as global demand increases for the sport and more car manufacturers turn to electric- powered vehicles. BMW, Mercedes, Nissan, Audi, Porsche and Jaguar will field cars that can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds. Formula E promotes electric mobility and alternative energy solutions by raising the profile of electric-powered cars as an attractive and viable alternative to fossil-fuelled vehicles. It’s also a location with greater meaning February — 17