News – 2020 Jun

 

「國泰航空/滙豐香港國際七人欖球賽2020」 落實取消

[2020年6月30日，香港]： 國際欖球理事會(World Rugby) 今日宣佈取消「滙豐世界七人欖球系列賽2019/2020」的餘下賽事，包括「國泰航空/滙豐香港國際七人欖球賽2020」。

原定於今年4月舉行的「國泰航空/滙豐香港國際七人欖球賽」，早前因應新型冠狀病毒「Covid-19」疫情而延期至10月16日至18日 。隨著全球疫情大流行的不明朗因素而催化賽事的取消，這亦是「香港國際七人欖球賽」自1976年首辦以來首次取消。

國際欖球理事會的官方聲明表示:「經過全面檢視『滙豐世界七人欖球系列賽2020』餘下的蘭福德、倫敦、巴黎、新加坡和香港分站後，因應新型冠狀病毒「Covid-19」疫情持續全球大流行，令2020賽季提早結束。」

「這是與主辦總會和參賽總會詳細和建設性對話後的決定，亦以欖球界和公眾的健康為首要考慮。」

香港欖球總會(欖總)感激國際欖球理事會、其他主辦地方、參賽隊伍和球員的所有人仕，孜孜不倦地尋求完成賽季的可行性。

欖總行政總裁麥偉彬(Robbie McRobbie)說: 「我們對於45年以來首次未能舉辦聞名全球的『國泰航空/滙豐香港國際七人欖球賽』感到失望，但我們理解取消餘下賽事的非常情況。」

「我們和香港七人欖球代表隊一樣正準備2021賽季，並期待歡迎大家一齊慶祝第45屆『國泰航空/滙豐香港國際七人欖球賽』這全球最大的欖球派對。」

「國泰航空/滙豐香港國際七人欖球賽2020」將於4月2日至4日上演。

所有透過欖總官方途徑購買的門票可留作2021年4月賽事時使用或者退款，而公開抽籤將不會進行，有關門票詳情可參閱「香港國際七人欖球賽」官方網頁www.hksevens.com。

(資料來源: Elite Step Asia/ HKRU)

 

 

ALEX LYNN JOINS MAHINDRA RACING

24 JUNE 2020, BANBURY, UK – Mahindra Racing is delighted to welcome Alex Lynn to the team. The 26-year-old Brit, who was GP3 Series Champion in 2014 and is a Macau Grand Prix and Sebring 12 Hours winner, will pilot the #94 M6Electro for the remainder of the 2019/20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship alongside Jérôme D’Ambrosio in the #64.

Lynn has demonstrated his versatility as a racing driver, achieving successes in both single-seater and sportscar categories. He achieved early single-seater championship titles in Formula Renault UK Winter Cup and Formula Renault UK. In 2013 he took victory at the renowned Macau Grand Prix, and then took the overall championship win the following year in the GP3 Series in his rookie campaign.

He is a multiple race winner in the GP2 series and fulfilled a development driver role for the Williams Racing Formula 1 Team. He has Formula E experience having raced with both DS Virgin Racing and Jaguar Racing and has competed in a total of 21 races, with his best result coming at Punte del Este where he finished sixth.

(Source: Mahindra Racing)

 

 

FIA PUBLISHES PROVISIONAL 2020/21 FORMULA E CALENDAR

– FIA World Motor Sport Council publishes provisional calendar for 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

– Seventh season to start in Santiago on January 16 and conclude with two races in London on July 24 & 25.

– Measures to support economic, social and environmental sustainability in future seasons approved by FIA.

London, UK (June 19, 2020) – The FIA has published the provisional calendar for the 2020/21 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, following approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

The season seven calendar was formally ratified by the FIA today, showcasing the list of cities Formula E is currently scheduled to visit in a landmark year for the electric racing series.

Officially being recognised as an FIA world championship for the first time, the 2020/21 season is set to commence in Santiago on January 16 and conclude with a double-header decider in London on July 24 & 25.

Following the season-opener in the picturesque Parque O’Higgins in Santiago, the series moves to Mexico City for what will be the sixth running of the race around Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

From there the championship goes directly to Saudi Arabia for another double-header in Diriyah, and then on to Sanya in China before returning to Europe for races in the Italian capital of Rome followed by the French capital of Paris.

Formula E will next return to the famous streets of Monaco on May 8, with the Principality continuing to host an E-Prix on a bi-annual basis.

The series then sets off to Seoul in South Korea for the first time, before heading to Germany where Berlin will become the only city to have staged an E-Prix in all seven seasons.

The championship will be rounded off in style with a USA-based race in New York City followed by a UK-based double-header in London.

2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – Provisional calendar

Round City Country Date
1 Santiago Chile January 16, 2021
2 Mexico City Mexico February 13, 2021
3 Diriyah Saudi Arabia February 26, 2021
4 Diriyah Saudi Arabia February 27, 2021
5 Sanya China March 13, 2021
6 Rome* Italy April 10, 2021
7 Paris France April 24, 2021
8 Monaco* Monaco May 8, 2021
9 Seoul* South Korea May 23, 2021
10 TBC TBC June 5, 2021
11 Berlin Germany June 19, 2021
12 New York City USA July 10, 2021
13 London* UK July 24, 2021
14 London* UK July 25, 2021

*Subject to circuit homologation

Alongside announcing the calendar, the FIA World Motor Sport Council also approved modifications to the championship’s sporting regulations in line with Formula E’s new world championship status. Measures to reinforce economic, social and environmental sustainability efforts were also agreed.

More details on the decisions listed above will be revealed by the FIA and Formula E in due course.

(Source: FIA Formula E Championship)

 

 

ABB FIA Formula E Championship resumes racing with six-race Berlin showdown

– ABB FIA Formula E Championship to be decided in Berlin at Tempelhof Airport, following approval of the FIA.
– Six behind-closed-door races to take place in nine days.
– Three double-headers on multiple track layouts to be held in quick succession on August 5/6, 8/9 and 12/13.
– Formula E and the FIA to implement strict safety measures to protect staff and competitors.
London, UK (June 17, 2020) – Formula E is set to resume racing in August at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin following approval of the FIA, with six races in nine days deciding who will win the 2019/20 ABB FIA Formula E Championship.
The historic German airfield has been chosen to close out the current season, hosting three double-headers in quick succession on August 5/6, 8/9 and 12/13. Each pair of races will use a different track configuration, presenting opportunities for distinct strategies and the conditions for Formula E’s unpredictable and exciting racing.
Formula E had already completed five races before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, with DS TECHEETAH driver Antonio Felix da Costa (PRT) topping the standings, but only 11 points clear of nearest rival Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Mitch Evans (NZL).
Da Costa will be looking to use the six-race season finale in Berlin to seal his first Formula E title, promoting him onto the champions’ roll of honour alongside his DS TECHEETAH team-mate and two-time reigning champion Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA).
The three double-headers in Berlin will complete Formula E’s revised season six calendar, taking the total number of rounds to 11. With the top-four drivers in the championship separated by fewer points than a single race win offers, it’s still all to play for when the racing recommences in Berlin.
Formula E and the FIA have been working in close consultation with teams and local authorities to define a robust plan to conclude the championship in a safe manner. To mitigate risk, Formula E is implementing strict safety measures including racing behind closed doors with only essential staff and competitors travelling to the event.
As per German government guidelines, there will be a maximum number of 1,000 people on site at any given time, including local suppliers and medical crews. All other operations will be carried out remotely.
Key health and safety protocol includes mandatory coronavirus testing prior to the races, as well as on-site screening every day upon arrival at the track. Formula E will also actively enforce the use of face masks, social distancing and limit movement across workspaces with clearly defined zones for different event populations.
For more information about the full list of measures being put in place, please visit www.FIAFormulaE.com/championship/closed-door-racing
Track configurations and race start times will be revealed in due course on official Formula E digital platforms.

(Source: FIA Formula E Championship)

 

 

VANDOORNE VICTORIOUS IN RACE AT HOME CHALLENGE AS SIGGY SECURES FORMULA E TEST DRIVE

RACE RE-CAP:  ABB FORMULA E RACE AT HOME CHALLENGE (RD 8)

– Oliver Rowland returned to the top step for a second time at Tempelhof Airport to beat Maximilian Guenther to third in the final standings.

– Second place for Stoffel Vandoorne was enough to clinch the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge with Pascal Wehrlein being sent into a spin.

– Kevin Siggy kept his cool to win the Challenge Grid Grand Final in Berlin and earn a once-in-a-lifetime chance to test a real Formula E car.

Fast facts

– Small margins for Siggy; just over one second separated Kevin Siggy and Lucas Mueller at the chequered flag, which ultimately proved to be the difference that secured the Slovenian a test drive.

– Flying high at Tempelhof; Oliver Rowland soared to a second consecutive victory at the historic Tempelhof Airport with the Brit beating Stoffel Vandoorne over the line both times in Berlin.

– Double the donation; with double points on offer for the Grand Final, global partner Julius Baer donated 2,000 Euros to UNICEF on behalf of Rowland for setting the quickest time in qualifying.

(Source: FIA Formula E Championship)

 

 

WINS FOR WEHRLEIN AND MUELLER MAKE IT MAHINDRA DOUBLE IN NEW YORK

RACE RE-CAP:  ABB FORMULA E RACE AT HOME CHALLENGE (RD 7)

– Pascal Wehrlein took tips from Mahindra sim racing counterpart Lucas Mueller to win the penultimate round of the Race at Home Challenge in New York.

– Mueller went head-to-head with his racing hero Wehrlein earlier this week in preparation for the Grand Final weekend – (watch the full video below).

– Victory as well for Mueller on the Challenge Grid secures the German a front row start for tomorrow’s ‘winner-takes-all’ race alongside Kevin Siggy.

Fast facts

– Double points; a win for Wehrlein gives him a 12-point buffer to Stoffel Vandoorne in second, but with double points (54!) on offer tomorrow the Mahindra driver is still well within reach.

– Winner-takes-all; after accumulating points for seven rounds, the Challenge Grid is set with Kevin Siggy and Lucas Mueller locking out the front row in the fight to win a Formula E test drive.

– Back to Berlin; the German capital is the venue of choice for the Grand Final of the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge, with both races taking place at the historic Tempelhof Airport.

Coverage starts from 15:30 (BST). Click here to find out where to watch.

(Source: FIA Formula E Championship)

 

 

DOUBLE WIN FOR MAHINDRA RACING IN DOMINANT NEW YORK CITY OUTING

Pascal Wehrlein wins Round 7 of the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge for Mahindra Racing and reclaims the lead in Drivers’ standings.
/ Secures second Julius Baer Pole Position and third win in the Esports series.
/ Mahindra Racing takes back top spot in the Team’s Championship battle.
/ Lucas Müller qualified in pole position and wins the Challenge Grid race.

SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2020 – The penultimate round of the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge saw Pascal Wehrlein and Jérôme D’Ambrosio take to the virtual streets of the New York City E-Prix circuit with Mahindra Racing taking back the lead in both the driver and team’s championship battles.

Pascal qualified his #94 M6Electro on the front row of the grid to claim his second Julius Baer pole position of the series. The bonus point for claiming the top grid spot meant he was on equal points in the drivers’ championship before lights out. He kept his lead from start to finish to take the checkered flag with a 3.6-second lead against second place Oliver Rowland in the Nissan e.dams car. Pascal’s win means he reclaims the lead in in the drivers’ championship battle ahead of the finale tomorrow.

Jérôme qualified on row 12. There was action at lights out heading into the first corner, and with the ‘Race Royale’ format the #64 car was classified in 23rd position.

Mahindra Racing’s Challenge Grid driver Lucas Müller also tasted success with his second win of the series, taking a lights to flag victory from pole position. Today’s result moves him up to second in the Driver’s Challenge Championship with just one more race to go.

Pascal is first in the Drivers’ Championship with a seven-point lead heading into the final round on Sunday 7 June 2020. Mahindra Racing tops the Teams’ Championship, eight points ahead of the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E team.

(Source: Mahindra Racing)

 

 

MAHINDRA RACING EXTENDS TREE PLANTING INITIATIVE TO RACE AT HOME CHALLENGE

To mark World Environment Day this Friday, Mahindra Racing will plant a tree for every viewer of the finale of Formula E’s Race At Home Challenge on Twitch.
/ This builds on Mahindra Racing’s commitment made ahead of Season 6 to plant a tree for every FANBOOST vote the team receives.
/ In total, Mahindra Racing is committed to planting up to one million trees from the initiative.

4 JUNE 2020, BANBURY, UK – To mark World Environment Day this Friday, 5 June, Mahindra Racing is extending its Season 6 tree planting initiative to the ABB Formula E Race At Home Challenge. The Race at Home Challenge sees Formula E drivers compete in an esports competition during the red flag period of racing due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of Season 6, the team announced that for every FANBOOST vote received by the team’s drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Jérôme D’Ambrosio will convert into a tree planted; meaning fans have a direct positive impact on the environment by voting.

Now, as part of this initiative, for every viewer tuning into Twitch at www.twitch.com/fiaformulae for the Race At Home Challenge finale weekend on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June starting at 3:30pm BST, Mahindra Racing will plant a tree with a commitment of up to half a million trees.

The initiative is a measure that Mahindra Racing is taking as it continually strives to make positive changes for the environment. A full mature tree can provide a year long oxygen supply to a family of four and can absorb as much as 48 pounds of CO2 per year.

Mahindra Racing was the first, and remains the only, Formula E team to achieve FIA Sustainability Accreditation. The squad first successfully attained its two star rating in November 2016 and, following a periodic audit in February 2019, Mahindra Racing maintained its status in the framework, with the aim of being carbon neutral by 2020.

The team is committed to the FIA environmental certification programme by minimising its environmental impact and working towards achieving carbon neutrality. It also takes learnings from advanced technologies in its race car to apply it to its road cars within its Race to Road initiative, developing and promoting more sustainable transportation solutions.

(Source: Mahindra Racing)

 

 

THE SEARCH IS ON FOR ‘MINI PASSIONEERS’ TO INTERVIEW MAHINDRA RACING’S JEROME AND PASCAL

  • Mahindra Racing launches competition to find ‘Mini Passioneers’ aged 12 and under to interview Jerome D’Ambrosio and Pascal Wehrlein
  • Global search to find budding journalists who will have the chance to conduct the interviews using their own questions

1 June 2020 – Mahindra Racing today announces the launch of Mini Passioneers, a competition to find four children aged 12 and under to put their questions to the team’s drivers; Jerome D’Ambrosio and Pascal Wehrlein.

The contest is open to all children aged 12 and under, from across the world, and the winning four will each join a video call with Jerome and Pascal to interview them using their very own questions.

To enter, participants simply need to email a video of them asking three questions that they would ask Jerome and/or Pascal to competition@mahindraracing.com by 23.59BST on 7 June 2020.

Full T&C’s can be found at www.mahindraracing.com

DILBAGH GILL, CEO AND TEAM PRINCIPAL: “At Mahindra Racing we have the best possible fans! Their support and passion for our team plays such an important part in driving our team forwards and we are always looking for ways to say thank you to them. Our Mini Passioneers competition is offering some of our youngest fans the chance to put their questions to Pascal and Jerome. As a father myself, I know that children really do ask the funniest and most engaging questions, so we can’t wait to see our drivers grilled!”

(Source: Mahindra Racing)