Officials from the FIA have unveiled the track layout for the inaugural Formula E race in Paris, France ahead of its planned running on April 23.
Formula E confirmed back in July that Paris would be joining the calendar for season two with a track at Les Invalides, an important military landmark in the city that houses many museums and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
At a press conference in Paris on Wednesday, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag and FIA president Jean Todt revealed the layout for the ePrix that enjoys an impressive backdrop featuring the historic buildings in the area.
News! The #ParisePrix layout has been revealed. Bring it on! #FormulaE pic.twitter.com/IN9DPh1k3q
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) January 13, 2016
“As a series we are fortunate enough to race in some incredible locations but none more spectacular than the backdrop in the city of Paris,” Agag said.
“The ethos of Formula E is urban racing in the heart of cities around the world - Paris certainly ticks all those boxes. France is also a key market for the championship as the home of the FIA, official founding partner and tire supplier Michelin, and team partners such as DS and Renault.
“The Paris ePrix will be an iconic setting for Formula E with DHL, the championship’s official logistics partner, delivering the first fully-electric race to the French capital.”
Todt added: “The FIA is particularly pleased that there will be a Formula E race run through the streets of the centre of Paris, the city that has been our home for over a century.
“This series is heavily linked to the development of new technologies and to promoting a new model for sustainable mobility. It is entirely logical therefore, that a country like France, that has always been at the cutting-edge of innovation, should host an ePrix in its capital city.
“I am sure that the spectacle offered by Formula E on a track laid out against the amazing backdrop of Les Invalides, will make this event truly unique among motorsport events at a world level.”
French manufacturer Renault announced that it would be a partner for the Paris ePrix, while Formula E confirmed that tickets would start at just €25 for those making the trip in April.
.@FIAFormulaE races are taking place in Paris on 4/23. Excited for the city of Paris and its people.
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) January 13, 2016
We walked the track earlier and the backdrop really is incredible. Such an incredible city #ParisePrix pic.twitter.com/NR42S94AfC
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) January 13, 2016
here's what the Eiffel Tower looks like from Les Invalides for yall heading to the Paris ePrix! pic.twitter.com/7auS1FdMdo
— Elizabeth Blackstock (@eliz_blackstock) January 13, 2016