Formula E set to make debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia next season

Sport360 staff 22:11 21/05/2018
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  • Saudi Arabia is readying its engines after it was announced that the ABB FIA Formula E Championship is set to make its debut in the Middle East with a round in Riyadh next season.

    The organisers of Formula E – a pioneering motor racing championship that solely uses electric-powered cars – has signed a 10-year agreement with Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority (GSA) and the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation.

    Riyadh will catch a first glimpse of the sport’s next generation of cars, with the new race scheduled to take place in the opening round of season five this December.

    Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag said: “Bringing racing to Riyadh for the first round of the new season is the perfect setting for the next phase of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.

    “An exciting and vibrant country that is focusing on its future, Saudi Arabia will be the ideal venue to mark the competitive debut of the next generation Formula E cars.

    “We think Saudi Arabia – with the new vision of Prince Abdulaziz, Prince Khalid and the country – is a fitting location to launch the latest chapter of the electric street racing series.

    “Many other sports are already increasing their presence in Saudi Arabia and we’re proud that they’ve chosen Formula E over other categories in racing.

    “Most countries are now looking to Formula E, especially Saudi Arabia which is concentrating on the development of new technologies, renewable energies and electric vehicles.”

    Formula E is only growing in stature and will welcome long-time Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa onto its circuits in a Venturi next season.

    Indeed, Massa will take in his first competitive laps as a Formula E driver with the picturesque Ad Diriyah district of Riyadh as his backdrop. Further details on the location and circuit layout will be revealed in due course.

    His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, Vice-Chair of GSA, said: “Saudi Arabia is looking to the future and Formula E is the motorsport of the future, that’s why this is such an exciting opportunity.

    “It aligns perfectly with the country’s 2030 vision and offers the prospect of world-class racing on the streets of the capital for the first time in our history. For all fans, men, women, young and old, the dream of hosting a ‘home race’ will now come true.

    “As a driver myself, who cares about growing the sport, nothing could make me happier. The length of the partnership will give Saudi Arabia and Formula E the platform to create a lasting legacy for both the sport globally and the Kingdom over the course of a decade.”  

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