TECHEETAH: A Race of Electrifying Proportions
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The Peninsula Hong Kong has long cultivated a devotion to the refined craftsmanship and appeal of luxury automobiles. The Grande Dame’s signature fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms, as well as her iconic, emerald-green MINI Coopers, traverse the city to showcase the hotel’s timeless dedication to motor elegance and style. Last year, The Peninsula married its interests in automobiles and sustainability by announcing sponsorship of China’s TECHEETAH Formula E racing team.
Formula E has achieved great renown since its inception in 2014, driving forward a global vision showcasing sustainable motor racing and low emissions technologies. The competition is unique in that it serves as a testing ground for the latest developments in the space, helping to showcase and improve the design and functionality of electric cars.
As the only team to represent China in the Formula E championship, TECHEETAH’s inaugural year was a great success, boasting seven podium finishes and one race win to finish 5th in its debut season. Last year, TECHEETAH once again included world-renowned driver Jean-Eric Vergne from France with new member André Lotterer from Germany adding his expertise and skill to the team. Vergne remains the youngest ever French driver to race in Formula One and has been a fundamental player in Formula E since its inception. Lotterer brings with him great distinction, having driven for Audi, Jaguar, and Porsche with wins in the Japanese Super Formula, prestigious Le Mans race, and FIA World Endurance Championship.
2017 marked TECHEETAH’s second time competing in the Hong Kong E-Prix, which toasted the season opener on 2 to 3 December. Motor enthusiasts in the city and from around the world descended upon the Central Harbourfront to witness the world’s first fully electric international single seater category in motorsport. As the electric cars zoomed by Central’s most iconic landmarks at speeds reaching 200 kph, spectators may have caught sight of The Peninsula’s insignia emblazoned on the cars – a symbol of enduring history supporting innovation for the future.