UNDER THE SKIN: Mexico City

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UNDER THE SKIN: Mexico City

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The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is back in Mexico City after a sensational season opener in the desert. Home to fanatical Formula E fans and, of course the Foro Sol, the Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez has served up some of the most action packed rounds in the series history. Ahead of the race on February 12, here's all you need to know about Formula E's host city. 

History, palaces and population 

With foundations dating back to the 14th century, the high-altitude Mexican city once nicknamed La Ciudad de los Palacios is the oldest capital city in the Americas. Nestled in the Valley of Mexico, the city is the largest in South America with a population of nine million in the city and 21 million in Greater Mexico City.  

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Driving high

Sitting at 2,240 metres about sea level, the circuit is one of the highest tracks in the world. For comparison, Denver in the United States is 1,610m, and the mountain ski village of Val d’Isere in France is 1,850 metres above sea level.

Familiar territory 

Mexico City has played host to a Formula E race every year since Season 2, although the 2021 race took place in Puebla due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In that time, only ROKiT Venturi Racing's Lucas di Grassi has managed to win on multiple occasions - twice in Mexico City and once in Puebla. 

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Clean driving

With Formula E's legacy in Mexico City dating back to 2016, in that time, Mexico has reported a 68% growth in EV and hybrid vehicle sales, with the aim of reaching 50% hybrid or EVs by 2040, and 100% by 2050. 

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Track back

First built in 1959, the Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez was named after brothers and former racing drivers, Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez. The circuit is a permanent racing facility located within the public park in the Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City. The layout has been specifically modified for Formula E, but while still preserving the famous, fast Peraltada curve and iconic Foro Sol stadium section. 

 

More than a race 

Outside of racing, Formula E has offered its support to local charity partners Con Ganas De Vivir and UNICEF Mexico in Season 6 and 7 to support with the COVID-19 crisis and, similarly, donated all ticket proceeds from the Season 5 race ($1,200,000 MXN) to support CMDX in the reconstruction of the Olympic park following the 2016 earthquake. 

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100% renewable power, net zero carbon

The forthcoming 2022 Mexico City E-Prix will be powered by 100% renewable energy and will be a net zero carbon event.