Ah, the sights, smells and sounds of New York. The capital of the 'land of the free,''the city that never sleeps' and, of course, the Big Apple. But that's not what we know it as. For us here at the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, it's simply the battleground for the long-awaited Season 4 finale. 1.47-miles of unforgiving asphalt, concrete walls and 14 turns and very shortly, it will see Techeetah's Jean-Eric Vergne and DS Virgin Racing's Sam Bird go head to head for the championship title on July 14 and 15.
But just how did we end up with a Franco-British face off in the heart of the United States of America? Well, in short, it's taken ten races in nine countries on five continents to narrow down the competition to just two drivers. As it stands, JEV sits a the top of the standings with 163 points versus Sam Bird's 140 in second place. With just 23 points between them, JEV will need to score only seven points more than Bird to take the championship title on Saturday. For Bird, the pressure's on as he continues to hunt the Techeetah driver. After he won both races here last season, the British driver's chances are looking good. Let battle commence.
With so much going on over the weekend, make sure you don't miss a thing. Take a look below at our nifty guide to the 2018 Qatar Airways New York City E-Prix.
All the times stated below are local to New York City and are subject to change. Keep an eye on the information at the event for live updates.
Can’t make it to the race? No problem – why not check out our broadcast guide to see when to tune in to catch all the action.
SATURDAY July 14
07:00 - Allianz E-Village Opens, Allianz E-Village
For the early risers, the gates to the Allianz E-Village - Formula E's festival of entertainment, technology and innovation - open at 07:00. With activities for all ages, including the drivers' autograph session, food stalls, interactive displays and the chance to drive the track on our simulators in the Gaming Arena. Here, the three fastest fans will go through to the E-Race where they'll have the chance to race directly against the three fastest Formula E drivers. Think you can beat the pros? Now's your chance to prove it.
07:30 – Free Practice 1, Track
For those keen on getting in on every minute of racing action, the first free practice session of the day starts at 07:30. This is the first time the drivers will have the chance to drive the track under timed conditions, giving us an insight into how they'll perform during the race. Despite the timings, they don't count towards the race result - it's just a free practice session. Here, the drivers can make use of the full 200kW of the car's power.
09:00 - Pitwalk (Grandstand ticket holders), Pitlane
For all Grandstand ticket holders, here’s your chance to see behind the scenes in team garages in the pitlane.
09:20 - BMX Stunt Show, Track
It's not all about cars here at Formula E - watch as the team of stunt riders take to two wheels on the track for the BMX stunt show.
10:00 - Free Practice 2, Track
Yep, you guessed it - this session is exactly the same format as before only this is the second time the drivers will drive the track under timed conditions. This session is another chance for them to test the set-up of the car and make sure it's perfect for the race. Again, despite the timer running, this session doesn't count towards the race and drivers can make use of all 200kWs.
10:30 - Ryan Lawler live, Allianz E-Village - Stage
Head over to the stage in the Allianz E-Village to see Ryan Lawler perform live.
11:30 - Qualifying, Track
Qualifying determines the starting grid for the race, with the fastest driver lining-up in first place. The session lasts one hour and sees drivers divided into groups, decided by a lottery conducted in advance. Each driver has six minutes to set their best time, with the top-five drivers proceeding to the Super Pole shoot-out (see below).
12:15 - Super Pole, Track
During the Super Pole shoot-out, the top five drivers from Qualifying go out one-by-one, with the slowest driver of the five going out first. As soon as they cross the line to start their flying lap, the pitlane light turns green and the fourth fastest driver heads out. This is repeated until all five drivers have completed a lap. The fastest driver out of the five will be awarded the Julius Baer Pole Position and an additional three points. It's all worth fighting for.
12:30 - Breanna Barbara live, Allianz E-Village - stage
Head on over to the stage in the Allianz E-Village to see Breanna Barbara perform live.
13:40 - E-Race, Gaming Arena, Allianz E-Village
Not all the racing in Formula E takes place on the track. At every round of the championship is the E-Race - a virtual race taking place in the Allianz E-Village, where drivers battle against the fans on simulators, that replicate all the on-track action. With the three fastest fans going head-to-head against the three fastest drivers, the E-Race is the place to take on pros. Think you can do it?
13:55 - Drivers' Autograph Session, Allianz E-Village
Stick around after the E-Race to meet with the drivers at the Autograph session. Signing everything from caps, t-shirts and memorabilia of all shapes and sizes.
14:00 - BMX Stunt Show, Track
Head back over to the track for another chance to see the BMX stunt riders in action.
14:30 - The Hudson Project, Allianz E-Village - Stage
Over in the Allianz E-Village, The Hudson Project will be taking to the stage. for your chance to see them live.
14:42 - Official opening ceremony & National Anthem, Podium
Head on over to the Podium to catch the official opening ceremony, just moments ahead of the race.
15:03 - BMX Stunt Show in front of Grandstand 1, Track, Grandstand 1
The BMX stunt riders return for a special showing in front of Grandstand 1 ahead of the race.
15:33 - 2018 Qatar Airways New York City E-Prix, Track - 45 laps
This is it, the moment you (not to mention all the teams and drivers) have been waiting for. No more practice, no more qualifying, just 45 laps of pure electric racing and one winner. Who will win? Join us to find out.
16:35 - Podium ceremony, Podium
That's it, the cars have crossed the line and the top three drivers will take to the podium but only one can take the title - who will it be? Join in the celebration and watch them spray the Mumm champagne over at the podium.
17:00 - Pit walk (Grandstand ticket holders), Pit lane
For all Grandstand ticket holders, here’s another chance to see behind the scenes in team garages in the pitlane.
18:00 - Allianz E-Village closes, Allianz E-Village
That's it for Round 1 but it's not over yet. Tune in or come back on Sunday for the final race of season four.
SUNDAY July 15
07:00 - Allianz E-Village Opens, Allianz E-Village
For the early risers, the gates to the Allianz E-Village - Formula E's festival of entertainment, technology and innovation - open at 07:00. With activities for all ages, including the drivers' autograph session, food stalls, interactive displays and the chance to drive the track on our simulators in the Gaming Arena. Here, the three fastest fans will go through to the E-Race where they'll have the chance to race directly against the three fastest Formula E drivers. Think you can beat the pros? Now's your chance to prove it.
08:30 – Free Practice 3, Track
For those keen on getting in on every minute of racing action, the third free practice session of the weekend starts at 08:30. This is the third practice the drivers will have to get to know the track. Despite the timings, they don't count towards the race result - it's just a free practice session. Here, the drivers can make use of the full 200kW of the car's power.
09:25 - Pitwalk (Grandstand ticket holders), Pit lane
For all Grandstand ticket holders, here’s your chance to see behind the scenes in team garages in the pitlane.
09:30 - Ryan Lawler live, Allianz E-Village - Stage
Head over to the stage in the Allianz E-Village to see Ryan Lawler perform live.
11:00 - Qualifying, Track
Qualifying determines the starting grid for the race, with the fastest driver lining-up in first place. The session lasts one hour and sees drivers divided into groups, decided by a lottery conducted in advance. Each driver has six minutes to set their best time, with the top-five drivers proceeding to the Super Pole shoot-out (see below).
11:45 - Super Pole, Track
During the Super Pole shoot-out, the top five drivers from Qualifying go out one-by-one, with the slowest driver of the five going out first. As soon as they cross the line to start their flying lap, the pitlane light turns green and the fourth fastest driver heads out. This is repeated until all five drivers have completed a lap. The fastest driver out of the five will be awarded the Julius Baer Pole Position and an additional three points. It's all worth fighting for.
12:00 - Hudson Horns Collective, Allianz E-Village - stage
Head on over to the stage in the Allianz E-Village to see Hudson Horns Collective perform live.
13:00 - BMX Stunt Show, Track
It's not all about cars here at Formula E - watch as the team of stunt riders take to two wheels on the track for the BMX stunt show.
13:10 -E-Race Final, Gaming Arena, Allianz E-Village
Not all the racing in Formula E takes place on the track. At every round of the championship is the E-Race - a virtual race taking place in the Allianz E-Village, where drivers battle against the fans on simulators, that replicate all the on-track action. With the three fastest fans going head-to-head against the three fastest drivers, the E-Race is the place to take on pros. Think you can do it?
13:25 - Drivers' Autograph Session, Allianz E-Village
Stick around after the E-Race to meet with the drivers at the Autograph session. Signing everything from caps, t-shirts and memorabilia of all shapes and sizes.
14:12 - Official opening ceremony & National Anthem, Podium
Head on over to the Podium to catch the official opening ceremony, just moments ahead of the race.
14:35 - BMX Stunt Show in front of Grandstand 1, Track, Grandstand 1
The BMX stunt riders return for a special showing in front of Grandstand 1 ahead of the race.
15:03 - 2018 Qatar Airways New York City E-Prix, Track - 45 laps
This is it, the moment you (not to mention all the teams and drivers) have been waiting for. No more practice, no more qualifying, just 43 laps of pure electric racing and one winner. Who will win? Join us to find out.
16:05 - Podium ceremony, Podium
That's it, the cars have crossed the line and the top three drivers will take to the podium but only one can take the title - who will it be? Join in the celebration and watch them spray the Mumm champagne over at the podium.
16:15 - Pit walk (Grandstand ticket holders), Pit lane
For all Grandstand ticket holders, here’s another chance to see behind the scenes in team garages in the pitlane.
18:00 - Allianz E-Village & 2018 Qatar Airways New York E-Prix closes, Allianz E-Village
That's it for the 2018 Qatar Airways New York City E-Prix and season four of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Join us on December 15 for the first race of Season 5 in Saudi Arabia. New car, new rules and new season. You ain't seen nothing yet.