Formula E has confirmed its Saudi Arabian race will move from Diriyah to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit next season.
Confirmed:
- All-electric series will race on a modified version of the circuit that hosts Formula One
- Saudi’s Ministry of Sport has approved the switch for next season
Context:
Formula E has raced in Saudi Arabia since 2018, with Diriyah having hosted the all-electric series for six years. The country has a vested interest in Formula E through its sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
PIF, which holds a reported 5.5 per cent stake in Formula E, is also the principal partner of the series as part of a deal announced at the start of this season. The series is also in the process of creating licensed karting venues across the country in collaboration with Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven), which is owned by PIF.
Furthermore, the Saudi Arabia E-Prix itself has progressed through various PIF-related partnerships during its time on the schedule, including the state-owned airline Saudia and state-owned energy company Tarshid.
Comment:
Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer of Formula E, said: “We are delighted to bring the excitement of Formula E to Jeddah, a city that embodies the spirit of progress and transformation.
“The revised Corniche Short Circuit will offer thrilling new challenges for our teams and drivers while showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of Jeddah to our global audience. We have raced in the kingdom for many years and this move signifies the growing scale and appetite for Formula E in the region.”
Coming next:
The 2024/25 Formula E season gets underway in São Paulo, Brazil, on 7th December.
Go deeper:
- Competitive racing, street circuits, and a US$250k bet: Why Formula E is making more noise about F1 than ever before
- Podcast | 2024 Formula E season review: F1 comparisons, Liberty Global acquisition, and moving behind a paywall in the UK
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