Tributes paid to Diriyah Circuit ahead of Formula E’s return
The ABB FIA Formula E Championship kicks off its sixth season at the stunning track next month
Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Circuit has been hailed by Formula E drivers and officials as one of the most iconic tracks of the championship, having made a huge impact during its debut last season.
Last year saw an incredible race against time to create the street racing circuit in the middle of the stunning UNESCO world heritage site on the outskirts of Riyadh. In a matter of mere months, thousands of engineers met a hugely ambitious deadline to deliver an amazing venue in time for Formula E to host its inaugural race in the Middle East. This year the ABB FIA Formula E Championship returns to the Diriyah Circuit for season six, with a rare “double-header” of back-toback races on Nov. 22 and 23.
Ahead of the thrilling action, tributes have been paid to the Kingdom’s circuit which sees the futuristic sport weaving through the historical venue known as “the land of kings and heroes,” Saudi Arabia’s first capital city.
Pedro Merry, one of Formula E’s co-founders and its head of legal, said: “In some places big things have small beginnings but in Saudi Arabia big things have very big beginnings. Last year was amazing and I truly believe that this year will be even bigger. All the Formula E teams are looking forward to the races. “Formula E has very different venues — I would say this is the most iconic place where we have raced. Racing in this place is unbelievable, and we cannot ask for more. Add to that the effort that the people of Saudi Arabia are putting in. They should be proud.”
The Formula E co-founder was speaking at the recent launch of the Diriyah Season in the Kingdom, a month-long celebration of sport which sees electric racing kick off an amazing cast that also includes the “Clash on the Dunes” — the first heavyweight world boxing title fight in the Middle East — between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua, the Diriyah Tennis Cup, featuring eight of the planet’s best men’s players, and elite equestrianism in the Diriyah Equestrian Festival. Once again, Formula E action will be followed by post-race concerts performed by some of the most famous music artists from around the globe.
It is not simply the Diriyah Circuit’s location that sets it apart from rival tracks in cities such as London, Paris, Rome, Mexico City and New York. Drivers hailed the technical challenges and exciting racing its innovative design creates. There are 21 turns in total, some ascending and some descending, so
STREET CIRCUIT
drivers must contend with slopes and corners simultaneously. The course also features one of the longest straights of the championship where drivers will look to gun their cars at speed.
Felipe Massa, the ex-Formula 1 legend who made his Formula E debut in Saudi Arabia last year with Team Venturi, said: “The track is fantastic. It is beautiful and it’s quite difficult to find a track like it. You have a lot of uphills and downhills, difficult corners and a long straight which is good for overtaking. It’s a real pleasure to drive this track. It is amazing to see how much the country is supporting the sport. It’s very exciting to see back-toback races, especially at the start of the season, so this will be very competitive.
André Lotterer will be racing with the Tag Heuer Porsche Formula E team, as the German luxury car manufacturer makes its historic debut in the sport in Saudi Arabia. He said: “The Diriyah Circuit is the best track on the championship’s calendar, it is very challenging to drive and, of course, thrilling as well because I’ve changed teams and I am coming
GOLF
with Porsche.
“It is great to come to Diriyah, we were very impressed last year, the whole setup, the organization and the warm welcome we had. To be part of this challenge is fantastic, for me it is the place to be, the best professional environment, and for drivers it is the race of the future.” Carlo Boutagy, CEO of CBX, the promoter of E-Prix in the Kingdom, said this year the event would surpass even last’s years spectacular results.
“This year will be 10 times bigger. Last year we had a threeday event, this year it has expanded into 30 days of festivities under the Diriyah Season umbrella. We are very honored to kick off the season with Formula E.
Never before in motorsport history has such a prestigious line up of racing brands been assembled on a grid. It will be the first time the four German automotive superpowers — Porsche, Mercedes, BMW and Audi — have gone head-to-head.
“The ‘double-header’ is also a rarity, it’s not every race that this happens on the calendar. We see every year one or two cities being granted this and I think last year we must have done something outstanding for Formula E to give us this wonderful opportunity and privileged and host the two races here at the Diriyah Circuit.”
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal Al-Saud, president of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, said: “The track has proven itself a world-class venue for thrilling motorsport. We cannot wait to fire up Saudi Arabia’s passion for motorsport again — this year will be truly electrifying.”
Last year the Formula E event sold out, with 40,000 fans from 80 different countries packing the grandstands. This year, following the recent launch of tourist visas, the crowds and the energy are expected to be more than double that.
Tickets for all of Diriyah Season’s spectacular events and entertainment will be available online at www.diriyahseason.sa with Formula E tickets and “Clash on the Dunes” tickets on sale now.