The track layout for Formula E’s first visit to Santiago, Chile has been confirmed ahead of its addition to the calendar for the all-electric series’ fourth season.
Santiago was confirmed as the latest new city to welcome Formula E earlier this year when the provisional season four calendar was released, taking up a date slot of February 3 as the fourth round of the season.
At an event on Thursday in Santiago, the circuit layout was formally confirmed and driven by ex-Formula 1 and IndyCar racer Eliseo Salazar, a native of the Chilean capital, while prime minister Michelle Bachelet was on hand to give the race her blessing.
“It’s an honor to join President Bachelet for the first appearance of Formula E on the streets of Santiago. For the people of Chile, it’s the first time they’ve seen and heard the fully-electric car in their home city,” deputy CEO of Formula E Alberto Longo said.
“The racing and competition this year is going to be closer than ever and we can’t wait to see the drivers battle it out around this new and challenging circuit in February.
“South America is steeped in motorsport history and tradition, and Formula E will make its own history in Chile for many years to come, starting this coming season.”
Pablo Squella, Chile’s minister of sport, added: “Formula E in Chile is undoubtedly the materialization of an effort by the Government of President Michelle Bachelet that demonstrates the commitment we have to sports, supporting this worldwide event.
“We need Chilean citizens to be motivated to practice sport and do physical activity, and what better way than bringing world-class shows, and the best drivers in the world, to Santiago.
“We invite everyone to join this party to start learning about Formula E and electric cars, because in February we want a motivated Santiago, a city that welcomes everyone with great enthusiasm.
“We will be a great host country and we will make the fourth round of Formula E, into a new sporting tradition for our country.”
The new Formula E season gets underway in Hong Kong on December 2.