Formula E is planning to race in Seoul from '20 after signing an agreement with local promoter JSM Holdings, according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said after signing the five-year agreement in Seoul, that South Korea was "an ideal venue." Agag said, "Korea is at the forefront of future-facing developments, leading the way with cutting-edge innovations and recognized as a global trend-setter in the automotive and technology sectors." Formula E said that Gwanghwamun Square and City Hall Square were identified as favorable venues, subject to approval from the local authorities and FIA (REUTERS, 11/30).
LINGERING PROMBLEMS: In Hong Kong, Nicolas Atkin reported the streets of Central Harbourfront will welcome Formula E's new "Batmobile" Gen2 cars for the season five Hong Kong E-Prix in march, but the 1.86km circuit "still has logistical problems." Agag said that a team came to Hong Kong earlier in the summer to see if an extra 100m "could be added to the track," which has 10 turns and two hairpins. Agag: "We were trying to extend it a bit, but I think it wasn't easy. It's not a problem for the moment, because the FIA are really keen on racing in Hong Kong." The track may eventually need more than an extra 100m. New FIA rules require circuit lengths of 2.4km for E-Prix races this season following manufacturers Nissan and BMW's entry into Formula E. More cars are "expected on the grid in future seasons," too. But like the Monaco GP in Formula 1, Hong Kong was "given special exemption" by FIA with the two tracks under 2km (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, 11/30).
