Feature: Why Formula E is the right fit for Montréal

Sam Smith spoke with event promoters of the inaugural Montréal ePrix – evenko.

Tell us about the track and the initial plans to get the event up and running?

“The track is near the Jacques Cartier Bridge almost opposite to where the F1 race takes place on the other side of the water. The track will also pass in front of the Molson brewery and either side of the Radio-Canada headquarters.

“Soon after we heard that Formula E is coming to Montréal, Evenko was given the contract and we were really excited about the project. But then knowing that we were actually getting the finale of the championship was definitely a plus for us. It was an extra challenge with the entertainment and being the major event promoter in Quebec to know that we also had that aspect of really creating an experience for the finale. It will be a really vibrant show.”

What is the attraction of getting an ePrix to Montréal?

“Montréal is a place with a bigger plan to become a green city in the future. The project is coming via a mandate from the non-profit organisation ‘Montréal It’s Electric’.

“Knowing that they wanted to become a true green city they created ‘Montréal It’s Electric’, which is responsible for the overall mandate, not only the race, which includes creating more plug-in positions around the city for more electric cars.

What is the key focus for you as a promoter?

“Definitely the experience and the entertainment around it. We are going to have different e-zones including the e-village which is going to be in the centre, so we are really widening it out and trying to make it as entertaining, educational and varied for citizens and for people who are actually coming to the event. We want them to understand what the event is, but at the same time have different experiences as they go around the circuit and discover a whole new event downtown.”

What sort of crowd do you think will experience the Montréal ePrix?

“We are working to 45,000 people per day. Right now we are on sale with two-day passes and probably in May we will go on sale with the one-day passes.

“General Admission passes are only $32 Canadian a day, so that is really not that expensive and for two-day passes we are on sale for $72 Canadian.

“We have Patrick Carpentier as an ambassador for the event and we are looking at having another spokesperson as well to share that messaging. Right now we are focussing on the sport itself, which is why we have Patrick.

“We are hoping to attract more families and the low price will accommodate that as well. We want to create an experience for the whole family and we think that at the low price we will be able to accommodate that kind of demographic with a great experience.”

“The population of Montréal is known as being avid enthusiasts for automotive sports as well as major outdoor sports and cultural events, so we are expecting visitors from around the world as Montréal is a favourite summer destination. The enthusiasm for Formula E is quickly growing on every continent so we think this will be a really popular showcase for EV tech and sustainable sport.”