Formula E wants Hong Kong E-Prix to replace ‘grid girls’ with the ‘Grid Kids’ policy also adopted by F1
Local promoter requested to keep grid girls for 2017 race but all-electric series looking to bring Central Harbourfront race in line with rest of calendar
Formula E has said it no longer intends to use “grid girls” at the Hong Kong E-Prix.
The long-standing tradition in motorsport of employing scantily clad women to stand on the grid holding flags, umbrellas and driver names has been ditched by Formula One for the new season, which starts on March 25.
But while all-electric racing series Formula E abandoned the use of grid girls more than a year ago, they were still present at the season-opening double header last December on Central Harbourfront.
“In Hong Kong only this season the local promoter requested to keep them [grid girls] however this will change in the future,” said a spokesman.
“We are using a new concept and focusing on ‘Grid Kids’, and where possible we involve young and aspiring drivers that race in junior go kart championships.
“It’s a great and emotional experience for these kids to be on the starting grid, next to the drivers and cars that they might drive one day, so hopefully it also works as a good motivation for them. The concept is working really well.”