Heading into the 2026 Formula E Lianxin Sanya E-Prix, Citroën Racing aims to improve its performance by maximizing every session and securing strong results.
Formula E last raced in Sanya, China, during Season 5 in 2019. Located on the tropical island of Hainan, the 2520m Sanya Haitang Bay Circuit is set to create a unique challenge for teams and drivers with its 12 turns, long straights, and heavy braking zones. Beyond the track’s features, weather will also play a key role in Round 11, as expected high temperatures could impact grip levels, tyre behavior, and race strategy.
Vergne on returning to Sanya
Notably, racing at the Sanya street circuit will mark no new challenge for Jean-Éric Vergne, as the Frenchman won the Sanya E-Prix when Formula E last visited it in 2019. Driving for DS TECHEETAH Formula E Team at the time, the E-Prix marked a turning point in his season as it later contributed to his second consecutive Formula E World Championship title.
Reflecting on his previous Sanya success, Vergne shared: “Sanya is a circuit I remember well. The last time Formula E raced there, it was an important moment in my season, but a lot has changed since then. The cars are different; the championship is even more competitive and the level across the grid is incredibly high.”
“It’s a track that can create interesting races because energy management plays such a big role. As always in Formula E, the challenge is to find the right balance between pushing and being efficient. We know where we need to improve after Monaco and the objective now is to put ourselves in a position to fight at the front again,” he said, as he looks to bounce back from his tough Monaco P16 finishes.
Cassidy embraces a new challenge
Unlike his teammate, Nick Cassidy will visit the Sanya venue for the first time in his Formula E career. Speaking about his preparations, Cassidy explained that while simulator work provides a useful foundation, adapting quickly to the track in real time will be crucial.
“Whenever you go to a circuit you haven’t raced at before, there are always a few unknowns. We’ve done plenty of preparation work in the simulator, which helps build a picture of what to expect, but it never tells the whole story.”
He added: “Sanya looks like a circuit where energy management, braking and race execution will be particularly important. The challenge is to take everything you’ve learned virtually and apply it in the real world as quickly as possible once the weekend starts.”
Maximizing every opportunity
The 2026 Formula E Sanya E-Prix could make an important moment in the title fight, as the championship enters the Asian and final phase of Season 12. With seven rounds remaining, Cassidy sits P7 in the Drivers’ Standings, 57 points behind leader Mitch Evans, with Vergne behind in P16. Meanwhile, Citroën Racing is P7 in the Teams’ Standings, 123 points behind leaders Jaguar TCS Racing.
Therefore, looking ahead to the Sanya E-Prix and the next phase of the season, Citroën Racing Team Principal Cyril Blais emphasized the importance of consistency, as he said:
“Sanya marks the beginning of an important phase of the season and it’s good to see Formula E returning to a circuit with such unique characteristics. After Monaco, the team has spent time analyzing the data and understanding the areas where we can improve. The conditions in Sanya will present a very different challenge with high temperatures, long straights and a strong focus on energy management, so preparation and execution across the weekend will be extremely important.”
“The championship remains incredibly competitive, and we know how small the margins are. Our objective is to maximize every session from the beginning of the weekend and continue building consistency and performance as a team,” he concluded.
