Like a BOSS: From The Best Seats At The Hyderabad E-Prix

Hyderabad made history earlier in February, hosting the first Formula E race on the streets of India. While long straights, hairpin turns and tight chicanes made for a thoroughly enjoyable race, it was the premium race day experience that added the cherry on top

- Kanaad Chatterjee

India finally made its debut on the international Formula E roster during its ninth season in 2023 with the Hyderabad E-Prix held in the 'City of Nizams' on February 11, 2023. The 2.83 km-long race track with 18 turns, located alongside Hussain Sagar Lake, is one of the most picturesque circuits on the calendar this season. Interestingly, the Telangana government had gotten a T-shaped 2.3 km track approved. However, the original track design, created with PPE Racing's assistance, was strongly criticized by drivers including Norman Nato, who reportedly likened it to a "dildo" after testing it in a simulator. The track was subsequently redesigned by Driven International, who had also designed the 2021 Yas Marina Circuit layout in Abu Dhabi.

There's no denying that India's efforts to amplify audience outreach and improve logistics in recent years have put the country on the world map of motorsports, with MotoGP's upcoming Grand Prix of India being a prime example. The Hyderabad ePrix venue can accommodate up to 25,000 spectators, and the race saw a full house on February 11. However, thanks to Jaguar TCS Racing, we were not in the grandstands and had a premium race day experience with access to the BOSS | EMOTION CLUB, which was formerly known as the premium suite.