The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to electrify Portland once again with Rounds 13 and 14 of Season 10 at the 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix, taking place on June 29-30. Following a spectacular debut last year, Formula E returns to this vibrant city, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, dynamic food and drink scene, and a distinct environmentally conscious culture. This double-header promises to be a pivotal chapter in the battle for the championship title.
A Historic Return to Portland
In 2023, Formula E ventured into new territory with its inaugural event in Portland, following previous USA E-Prix events in Miami and New York. The debut race attracted over 20,000 fans who were treated to an exhilarating display of more than 400 overtakes and numerous lead changes. The weekend was marked by some of the fastest speeds ever recorded in a Formula E session, captivating spectators with non-stop, high-octane action.
Nick Cassidy emerged victorious in the 2023 Southwire Portland E-Prix for Envision Racing. His decisive move on Lap 28 secured his third win of the season, propelling him to second place in the FIA World Championship standings, just one point behind Jake Dennis of Avalanche Andretti. António Félix da Costa of TAG Heuer Porsche finished third in a race where the top 17 cars were separated by a mere seven seconds at the finish line.
Portland’s debut was particularly significant for the US-based Andretti team, with Jake Dennis securing the Julius Baer Pole Position and a podium finish on home soil. Dennis’s performance through the latter half of the season ultimately earned him the Drivers’ Championship trophy. With one win and five podiums so far this year, Andretti will be looking to build on their strong start to replicate last year’s success.
Portland International Raceway: A Venue of Legends
Portland International Raceway is a cornerstone of American motorsport, known for hosting thrilling close battles, especially in series like IndyCar. A memorable highlight came in 1997 when the premier American single-seater series witnessed an electrifying three-way finish. Mark Blundell edged out Gil de Ferran and Raul Boesel by a mere half-a-tenth of a second, solidifying the race’s legacy as one of the closest on a road course.
The 12-turn, 3.190km layout remains unchanged from last year, with the ATTACK MODE activation zone positioned on the outside of Turn 7. The high-speed corners and long straights are expected to provide ample opportunities for overtaking, slipstreaming, and critical energy management, promising another weekend of high-speed thrills.
Season 10’s Race to the Top
As Formula E’s tenth season nears its conclusion, the competition has intensified. Eight different drivers have claimed victory across the first 12 rounds, with 14 drivers making it to the podium and seven different teams represented in the top 10 of the Drivers’ standings.
Nick Cassidy of Jaguar TCS Racing currently leads the championship, followed closely by two-time Season 10 race winner Pascal Wehrlein of Tag Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. Cassidy’s teammate Mitch Evans sits in third place, with Oliver Rowland of Nissan and last year’s defending champion Jake Dennis of Andretti Formula E Team rounding out the top five.
Jean-Éric Vergne of DS PENSKE and António Félix da Costa of TAG Heuer Porsche are in sixth and seventh positions, respectively. Tokyo E-Prix winner Maximillian Günther of Maserati MSG Racing is eighth, followed by Stoffel Vandoorne of DS PENSKE. Jake Hughes of NEOM McLaren Formula E Team completes the top ten after securing his first Formula E podium in Round 11.
Key Highlights for the 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix
Mitch Evans’ Historic Pursuit
Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing is on the brink of a historic achievement. Fresh off his victory in Shanghai, Evans now boasts 12 wins in Formula E. A win in Portland would see him equal the all-time win record, tying with Formula E legends Sébastien Buemi and Lucas di Grassi.
Nick Cassidy’s Commanding Lead
Evans’ teammate and current championship leader Nick Cassidy has been in formidable form this season, climbing the podium eight times in just 12 races. With a commanding 25-point lead over second place Pascal Wehrlein, Cassidy is set to lead the charge as the championship battle intensifies in Portland.
TAG Heuer Porsche and Jaguar TCS Racing Showdown
The showdown between Jaguar TCS Racing and TAG Heuer Porsche is one of the most anticipated aspects of the weekend. Both teams have showcased remarkable performance throughout the season, and the double-header in Portland will be crucial in determining the championship’s direction.
Schedule: Where, When, and How to Watch
The 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix kicks off on Friday, June 28, with Free Practice 1 at 17:00 local time. The first race day of the double-header begins on Saturday, June 29, with Free Practice 2 at 07:30, followed by qualifying at 09:40, and the race at 14:00 local time (21:00 UTC).
The same schedule applies for Round 14 on Sunday, June 30, with Free Practice at 07:30, qualifying at 09:40, and the race at 14:00 local time (21:00 UTC).
Fans in the MENA region can catch the action live on SSC 2, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the high-speed excitement.
Portland’s Green Commitment
Portland is not only a city known for its motorsport legacy but also for its commitment to sustainability. The return of Formula E, the world’s premier electric racing series, aligns perfectly with Portland’s environmentally conscious ethos. The city’s efforts in promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints make it an ideal host for Formula E, a championship dedicated to driving sustainable innovation in motorsport.
A Weekend of Racing and Exploration
In addition to the racing action, visitors to Portland can enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural scene. From the scenic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and Forest Park to the eclectic mix of food trucks and craft breweries, Portland offers a unique blend of natural and urban attractions.
