The ABB FIA Formula E Championship will make its debut in the Middle East as the opening round of Season 5 in December will take place in Riyadh. The agreement is for 10 years. The E-Prix will see the Formula E cars navigate the streets of the picturesque Ad Diriyah district.
Founder & CEO of Formula E Alejandro Agag said that Saudi Arabia will be the perfect venue for the next phase of the championship. The race there will also be a debut for the new generation electric car.
“We think Saudi Arabia 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”, Agag added.
Formula E to race in Riyadh for the opening round of Season 5
His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud commented that the country is looking to the future. Thus Formula E is such an exciting opportunity for the Kingdom.
“It aligns perfectly with the country’s 2030 vision. For all fans, men, women, young and old, the dream of a hosting a ‘home race’ will now come true. As a driver myself, who cares about growing the sport, nothing could make me happier”, he said.
His Royal Highness Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdullah Al Faisal explained that interest towards motorsport is already vast in the country. Saudi Arabia has a rich heritage in rallying, drag racing and other forms of motorsport.
“This event and all that surrounds it represents a watershed moment. By hosting Formula E in Riyadh, the enthusiasm for motorsport and sustainable technologies will be heightened further”, he commented.
Meanwhile, the Season 4 championship is in Berlin this week where 2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg is making a demo run in the in the Gen2 car.
The Berlin ePrix is the ninth round of the 2017/2018 championship and will take place at Tempelhof Airport. Jean-Eric Vergne is leading in the drivers’ standings while Techeetah is first among the teams. Previous winners in Berlin are Sebastien Buemi and Felix Rosenqvist. Sam Bird holds the qualifying record there while Jose Maria Lopez has the race lap record.
@FIAFormulaE @nico_rosberg And my colleague just sent me this (taken from our office at Potsdamer Platz). Nice job, Nico ? pic.twitter.com/lgTB3ZrHpX
— Aladin4800 (@Aladin4800) May 18, 2018
