Despite the assurances that F1 was to race in New York, to the extent that the event was included on the calendar twice - and dropped twice - it is Formula E that has won the race to host an event on the streets of one of the world's most iconic cities.
Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty will form a dramatic backdrop to the inaugural New York City ePrix, which the FIA Formula E Championship today confirmed will take place in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
The 1.21mile track was revealed in front of a gathering of assorted media, city and state authorities, local dignitaries, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Alicia Glen, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi, and FIA President Jean Todt at a press conference on the shores of New York Harbour at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.
The New York City ePrix double-header in mid-July 2017 will be the first FIA-sanctioned open-wheel race to take place within the five boroughs of New York City in modern history. The circuit, which remains subject to FIA track homologation, features 13 turns and will wind its way around Pier 11 and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.
Speaking at today's press conference in New York, Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said: "To race in New York City is a historic moment - not only for Formula E, but for motorsport in general - and again highlights the philosophy of Formula E to bring fully-electric racing to the world's greatest cities. When we originally started the project we could only dream of bringing Formula E to a place like New York, with arguably the most recognisable skyline of any city in the world. I'd like to thank everyone involved in helping bring Formula E to New York for many years to come."
"Just being able to bring a motor race to the heart of a great city like New York is already an amazing achievement in itself," added FIA President, Jean Todt. I am really pleased that this city is going to feature on the calendar of an FIA championship, especially Formula E, which provides the best possible combination of the two pillars that form the basis of the Federation, namely sport and mobility. Formula E brings motorsport to the heart of the most important and fascinating cities in the world - New York joins a list that includes, among others, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Paris, Marrakesh and Montreal, proving just how vibrant and attractive this series has become, even though it is about to embark on what is only its third season."
"New York City is where technology, sustainability and commerce collide," said said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We are thrilled to be the new home of the ePrix."
"New York is one of the world's great cities," said Renault e.DAMS driver and reigning Formula E champion, Sebastien Buemi. "I think it will be an amazing event, particularly with that backdrop! I can't wait to race there - I expect it's going to be one of the most spectacular tracks we have been to so far. Formula E is always pushing the boundaries with where we go and, along with Hong Kong, Paris and Berlin, we can genuinely say we have the most exciting calendar ever seen in motorsport."
"A race in New York is for me and my fellow drivers like a small dream," admitted ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport's Lucas di Grassi. "Congratulations to everyone at Formula E who has worked so hard for it, and have now let this dream be a reality. Just imagine seeing the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the pitlane! It will also be a sporting highlight as the track has a mix of fast sections, hairpin bends and a narrow infield directly on the waterfront."
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