The streets of Tokyo were abuzz with excitement as Japan hosted its first race in the all-electric Formula E world championship on Saturday. Public roads made up nearly half of the 2.6-kilometer circuit that was set up around the Tokyo Big Sight convention center in the capital’s Koto Ward.
Formula E cars have engines that produce no exhaust fumes or noise, making them more environmentally friendly than Formula One cars. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike were present at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix. German driver Maximilian Gunther from Maserati emerged victorious in the race, with Nissan’s British driver, Oliver Rowland, coming in second. A total of 22 cars from 11 teams participated in the event, drawing in around 20,000 spectators to witness the race and other associated activities.
Toshiyuki Nishi, a 35-year-old who attended the race with four family members from Kawasaki, just outside Tokyo shared his thoughts about it “I was surprised to see how incredibly fast the cars were but how little noise they made,” said Nishi. “Having a race in Tokyo close to my home makes it easy for us to come and I hope they continue this next year.” With 16 events scheduled for the current Formula E season, it marks the circuit’s 10th year of operation.