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| Jeong Joo-won, CEO of Formula E Korea, poses during an interview with The Korea Times at the newspaper's headquarters in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul |
By Baek Byung-yeul
The Seoul E-Prix, a Formula E electric vehicle (EV) racing competition, will offer residents a rare chance to enjoy an exciting EV race as well as other entertaining events in the capital city, according to the organizer on Friday, who promised "the best racing event Korea has ever hosted."
"Motor sport is a sport that can be enjoyed when a country's income level rises to a certain level. The Formula E competition is held in the middle of the city and sees the young generation and families as its main target," Jeong Joo-won, CEO of Formula E Korea, said during an interview with The Korea Times at the newspaper's headquarters in Seoul. Organized by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the Seoul E-Prix will be held for the first time in Seoul on Aug. 13 and 14.
Initially, the event was scheduled to be held in 2020, but delayed to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-two drivers ― two drivers per team ― on 11 teams will race around Jamsil Sports Complex in southeastern Seoul for two days.
"Other than the two-day racing competition, various events such as a K-pop concert will be held. There will also be a festival from Aug. 10 to 14, making it a fiesta with various things to enjoy," Jeong added.
Jeong took the CEO post in January. For the past five months, he has worked to ensure that the competition will take place without any problem in August.
"We have been preparing for the race to go well and we are also working on advertising and promotion so that fans can enjoy the competition well. I want to make sure that fans enjoy sports events and also enjoy sports-derived lifestyles at the Seoul E-Prix," he said.
Jeong also said the company has been cooperating closely with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to ensure the success of the country's first-ever EV racing competition.
"The Seoul Metropolitan Government is actively helping the success of our event. I think it is difficult for Seoul to help any more than it is now," he said.
Given the event will feature a slew of officials representing the EV industry from around the world, the CEO added the Seoul E-Prix will become not only a racing championship but also a place where industry officials related with the rapidly growing industry will gather and discuss its future.
"In addition to racing competitions, various events are being prepared with the city government. "For example, we are preparing a discussion session called Smart City Forum which will discuss how to use energy," he said.
"It is not a single sporting event, but an event that leads to the EV-related industry. Formula One can be seen as a stage where car manufacturers show off their technology, the E-Prix is a competition joined by not only EV makers, but also companies in related businesses."
