Tropical Conditions and a Street Circuit Revival: Hankook Prepares for 2026 Lianxin Sanya E-Prix at Haitang Bay

- Round 11 of Season 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship takes place at the Haitang Bay Circuit in Sanya on Saturday 20 June
- The 2.52 km temporary street circuit returns to the Formula E calendar for the first time since Season 5
- High temperatures, tropical humidity, and the possibility of rain create one of the most unpredictable operating environments on the Formula E calendar

Sanya, China, 17 June 2026 — Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter Hankook), the exclusive tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, heads to the 2026 Lianxin Sanya E-Prix as Formula E returns to the Hainan coastline for the first time since the inaugural Sanya E-Prix in Season 5 (2018/19). Round 11 of Season 12 (2025/26) takes place on the 2.52-kilometre Haitang Bay Circuit, a temporary street layout featuring 12 corners.

The Sanya E-Prix forms part of Formula E’s return to China in Season 12 alongside Shanghai. While Formula E has a long history of racing in China, the return to Sanya marks the reintroduction of a circuit that presents a distinctive combination of technical and environmental challenges within the Formula E calendar.

The environmental conditions in Sanya are among the most demanding on this season’s calendar. Mid-June falls within the region’s rainy season, with daytime temperatures expected to reach up to 33°C. High humidity is likely to increase the physical demands on drivers and teams, while the threat of afternoon thunderstorms raises the possibility of changing track conditions, Safety Car interventions, or temporary red flags during the race.

For Hankook, the Haitang Bay Circuit presents a distinct set of technical and environmental demands. The smooth street surface limits mechanical abrasion, placing greater emphasis on tyre warm-up, thermal stability, and consistency across the lap. Extreme heat, high humidity, and potential transitions between dry and wet conditions will place increased demands on the tyre’s thermal stability and operating consistency. Hankook’s technical team will be working closely with teams to support their preparation for the conditions.

“The return to Sanya brings Formula E back to a circuit we have not visited since Season 5, presenting a very different set of conditions from most venues on the calendar,” said Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport. “Sanya presents one of the most demanding operating environments in Formula E, with extreme heat, high humidity, and the potential for rapidly changing weather. Our focus is on ensuring the tyre performs consistently across a wide range of conditions, whether the circuit remains dry or changes throughout the race weekend.”

With the championship entering the latter stages of the season, the points available in Sanya could prove significant in both the Drivers’ and Teams’ title battles.