Staging of Formula E Motor Racing Championship Series in Hong Kong（2014/01/08）

MR YIU SI-WING: Deputy President, the Secretary indicated in his earlier reply that the authorities had not actively sought to host the event in Hong Kong because of the limited time frame and insufficient information. I would like to ask the Secretary if he has used the available information on the event to make a comprehensive assessment on whether it is suitable to hold international motor racing events in Hong Kong, given our existing road conditions; if he has, of the results; if not, the reasons for that?

SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: I thank Mr YIU for the question. As I mentioned in my earlier reply to Mr CHAN's question, the requirements of racetracks for each event differ. Concerning this electronic motor racing event, the relevant government departments considered that most of the requirements of the event organizer could be fulfilled. This is probably due to the slow speed of electronic vehicles, as they have to be recharged because of the limitations of their design. However, as I mentioned earlier, we have to further explore a number of technical issues, for example, repositioning of traffic and underground facilities. Hong Kong is an attractive choice to the event organizer. Why would the event organizer like to hold the event in the Central District of Hong Kong? The reasons are the panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour and a sufficiently large crowd of spectators. Therefore, Hong Kong surely has its attractiveness. If we can resolve the technical problems, I believe we can attract more mega events to be held in Hong Kong.