Season 5 of Formula E will visit Saudi Arabia for the first time, with the opening race set to take to the streets of its capital city Riyadh in December. The event will mark the start of a 10-year agreement with the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabian Motor Federation.
The exact route has yet to be confirmed, but the E-Prix will see the Formula E cars navigate the streets of the Ad Diriyah district. Experienced motorsport promoter Carlo Boutagy has been tasked to deliver and promote the race through his company CBX.
Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Formula E, 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.”
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, vice chair of the Saudi Arabia general sports authority, 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 a 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.”
