Revving up their engines: Hong Kong officials quizzed on tickets and roadworks for Formula E series debut next year
Tickets for the more than 10,000 seats to see next year's FIA Formula E Championship races in Hong Kong will be available at a "reasonable" price, the Legislative Council was told yesterday.
Speaking at a meeting of Legco's panel on economic development yesterday, Commissioner for Tourism Cathy Chu Man-ling was responding to lawmakers' questions on how to guarantee locals would not be excluded from the first major international race in their hometown.
"Some of the tickets will be made available to local residents at a reasonable price," Chu said, noting the exact prices had yet to be determined.
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But she did not mention what proportion of tickets would be reserved for locals.
Formula E, priding itself on clean energy and sustainability, began its 10-city second season in Beijing on Sunday, with the 2.2km Hong Kong circuit set to open its third season on October 9 next year.
The International Automobile Federation, the race organiser, was considering setting up big screens at locations around town to show the race live for those unable to get a ticket.
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According to a Tourism Commission paper submitted to Legco, the government would only need to pay for roadworks totalling around HK$20 million while the federation would fully fund race operations and events.
Initiated earlier this month and due for completion by early September next year, the roadworks were described in the paper as "minor", primarily involving the conversion of some footpaths, relocation of street lights, and tree transplantation.
The works would be done at night and on weekends to reduce disruptions, said Tang Moon-yiu, chief highway engineer at the Highways Department.
