Puebla E-Prix Circuit
Location
Amozoc, Puebla, Mexico
Current Local Time
Track Info
Puebla E-Prix Circuit - Amozoc, Mexico
Unusual Formula E circuit inside the Autódromo Miguel E. Abed - combining a technical infield, abrasive asphalt and a fast banked final corner
When was the track built?
The Autódromo Miguel E. Abed is a permanent motorsport venue rather than a temporary Formula E circuit. Racing at the site dates back to the 1980s, with the complex later developing into a facility containing both a road course and a large oval.
Long before Formula E arrived, the venue had hosted national stock-car racing and international touring cars. For the 2021 E-Prix, Formula E adapted a shorter 15-turn configuration inside the oval.
When was its first race?
The first Puebla E-Prix took place on 19 June 2021. Pascal Wehrlein started from pole and crossed the finish line first, but both Porsche cars were later disqualified because the team had failed to correctly declare their tyres before the race.
That promoted Lucas di Grassi to victory, with Audi team-mate René Rast second and Edoardo Mortara third. Mortara then won the second Puebla race the following day.
What's the circuit like?
- Permanent rather than temporary: Unlike most Formula E tracks of the period, Puebla used purpose-built racing asphalt instead of normal city streets.
- Bumpy and abrasive: Drivers found the surface rough on the tyres, while several bumps made braking and putting the power down more difficult.
- Banked final corner: Turn 15 used part of the oval and allowed the cars to carry significant speed before reaching the long straight towards Turn 1.
- Unusual Attack Mode: At Turn 8, drivers had to take an extended outside route to activate Attack Mode, almost like the joker lap used in rallycross.
Formula E benchmarks
- First winner: Lucas di Grassi inherited victory in the inaugural race after the two Porsche cars were disqualified.
- First pole: Pascal Wehrlein took pole for the opening race after topping qualifying.
- Second winner: Edoardo Mortara won the Sunday race for Venturi and left Puebla leading the Drivers' Championship.
- Round 9 podium: Mortara finished ahead of Nick Cassidy and Oliver Rowland.
- Permanent-circuit challenge: Puebla's abrasive surface, banking and open layout made it very different from the narrow street tracks Formula E drivers normally faced.
Why go?
Puebla offered a different type of Formula E experience. Instead of squeezing electric cars between city-centre barriers, spectators could watch them use a purpose-built circuit with wider corners, an infield section and part of a banked oval.
The surroundings were also memorable, with the circuit sitting on a high plateau near Puebla and the Popocatépetl volcano visible beyond the venue when conditions were clear.
Formula E raced at Puebla only in 2021. The event was moved there because the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City was being used as a temporary COVID-19 field hospital. Formula E returned to Mexico City in 2022.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: One of the main overtaking areas, with cars arriving quickly after the banked final corner and long straight.
- Turn 8: Particularly interesting during Formula E because the extended Attack Mode route could change the order between closely matched cars.
- Final banked corner: The best place to appreciate what made Puebla different, with the Formula E cars carrying speed around part of the oval before accelerating onto the straight.
These viewing suggestions refer to the 2021 Formula E configuration; Puebla is no longer used for an E-Prix.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Puebla E-Prix Circuit (Amozoc, Puebla)
Plan your trip to the Autódromo Miguel E. Abed: the circuit is outside Puebla city, so taxi, rideshare or driving are usually the simplest options. Public transport can get you towards Amozoc, but normally not directly to the circuit entrance.
From Puebla city
- Taxi or rideshare: usually the easiest choice, particularly if you are staying in central Puebla. Tell the driver you are going to Autódromo Internacional Miguel E. Abed in Amozoc, not a circuit in Mexico City.
- Driving: the circuit is on the Carretera Federal Puebla–Tehuacán at Km 15. Allow extra time on race days because traffic can build around the venue.
- Return journey: if attending a large event, consider arranging your pickup before leaving Puebla. Demand for taxis and rideshare vehicles can increase when spectators leave together.
Bus & public transport
- CAPU: Puebla's main long-distance bus terminal is a useful starting point if you are arriving from another city.
- Towards Amozoc: buses and local transport operate between Puebla and the Amozoc area, but services do not necessarily finish at the circuit entrance.
- Final connection: a taxi from Amozoc or the surrounding area is generally easier than trying to complete the entire journey by public transport.
For a first-time visitor, a direct taxi or rideshare from Puebla is much simpler than combining several local services.
Driving & parking
- Destination: Autódromo Internacional Miguel E. Abed, Km 15 Carretera Federal Puebla–Tehuacán, Amozoc, Puebla.
- Parking: the circuit has parking facilities, but which areas are open to spectators depends on the event taking place.
- Race days: follow temporary signs and staff instructions rather than relying entirely on your navigation app near the entrance.
Airports & long-distance travel
- Puebla International Airport (PBC): the local airport for Puebla. A taxi, rideshare or pre-arranged transfer provides the simplest connection to Amozoc.
- Arriving via Mexico City: long-distance coaches are a common way to reach Puebla. If your bus terminates at CAPU, continue to the circuit by taxi or another road transfer.
Accessibility
- Contact the event organiser before travelling if you require accessible parking, step-free access or assistance inside the venue.
- Permanent circuit: distances between parking areas, entrances and spectator areas may be longer than at a compact city-centre Formula E circuit.
- Drop-off: ask the organiser which entrance or vehicle access point is closest to your ticketed area before arranging your journey.
About the Puebla E-Prix circuit
The Puebla E-Prix was held at the Autódromo Miguel E. Abed in June 2021. Formula E used a 2.98 km, 15-turn configuration combining the circuit's technical infield with part of its permanent oval.
The venue is in Amozoc rather than central Puebla, so it is very different from Formula E tracks built directly on city streets.
Puebla is not a current Formula E venue. If you are visiting for another race or track event, always check that event's ticket, parking and entrance information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Puebla E-Prix Circuit (Puebla, Mexico)
Puebla’s Formula E races took place at Autódromo Miguel E. Abed, a permanent circuit outside the city rather than a temporary street track. Away from the motorsport, visitors can explore a UNESCO-listed historic centre, Mexican art, the enormous pyramid at Cholula and some excellent family attractions.
Family-friendly highlights around Puebla
- Africam Safari: Drive through large wildlife areas where animals including giraffes, zebras and other species can be seen from your vehicle. There is also a separate walking area.
- Great Pyramid of Cholula: Introduce younger visitors to pre-Hispanic Mexico at this enormous archaeological site, then enjoy views from the hill above the pyramid.
- Puebla Zócalo: The city's central square is an easy starting point for families, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and pedestrian-friendly streets.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Museo Amparo: One of Puebla's strongest museums, with collections covering pre-Hispanic, colonial, 19th-century and contemporary Mexican art.
- Puebla Cathedral: Step inside the monumental cathedral beside the Zócalo before exploring the surrounding historic streets.
- Biblioteca Palafoxiana: Visit a beautifully preserved historic library in the city centre for a quieter cultural stop.
Eat & drink like a local
- Mole poblano: Puebla is closely associated with this rich sauce made from chillies, spices and other ingredients, traditionally served with poultry.
- Chiles en nogada: A famous local dish of stuffed poblano chilli topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate, most commonly found during its seasonal period.
- Calle de los Dulces: Look for traditional Pueblan sweets including camotes and other colourful local treats in the historic centre.
Explore Puebla on foot
- Historic Centre: Wander between the Zócalo, cathedral and streets lined with colonial buildings decorated with Puebla's distinctive glazed tiles.
- Los Fuertes: Walk around the hilltop area containing the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, important sites in the history of the Battle of Puebla.
- Cholula: Combine the archaeological zone with a walk through the surrounding streets and plazas for an easy half-day outside central Puebla.
Puebla sits at high altitude, so take your time if you are not used to it and carry water during longer walks.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Cholula: The Great Pyramid, churches, cafés and historic streets make this the easiest cultural trip from Puebla.
- Africam Safari: Allow several hours rather than treating it as a quick stop. The main safari drive alone takes around 90 minutes.
- Atlixco: Head towards the foothills of Popocatépetl for colourful streets, gardens and views towards the volcano when conditions are clear.
- Historic Puebla: If you are staying near the circuit in Amozoc, give the city centre a full day rather than trying to squeeze its museums, churches and food into one evening.
Good to know when visiting the circuit
- This is a permanent race track: Unlike most Formula E venues, Autódromo Miguel E. Abed still exists and continues to host motorsport activities.
- The Formula E layout was special: Do not assume every modern event uses the exact 2.98 km configuration raced in 2021.
- Check access before travelling: A working race circuit is not automatically open for sightseeing, so confirm events or public track activities before making a dedicated visit.
- Allow for the altitude: The circuit is around 2,175 metres above sea level. Strong sun and physical activity can feel different if you have arrived from somewhere much lower.
Formula E no longer races at Puebla E-Prix Circuit. Circuit access, race calendars, archaeological sites and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before travelling.