Tickets on sale for Diriyah E-Prix double-header in the dark

Tickets on sale for Diriyah E-Prix double-header in the dark
Formula E, motorsports most competitive championship, returns to the streets of Diritah on Friday, Jan 26. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 January 2024
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Tickets on sale for Diriyah E-Prix double-header in the dark

Tickets on sale for Diriyah E-Prix double-header in the dark
  • Formula E returns to the streets later this month
  • Spectacular night races to feature exhilarating battles and world’s best drivers

DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA: Formula E has announced that tickets are still available for the 2024 Diriyah E-Prix, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship mainstay that returns with back-to-back evening races on Jan. 26-27.

The e-prix once again welcomes the world’s best drivers for rounds two and three of the championship.

The Diriyah E-Prix is a major fixture in the international Formula E and motorsport calendars. Having garnered increased attention, influence, and popularity, the event has become a powerful driving force for positive change, supporting the Saudi Ministry of Sport’s ambitions to grow sport at every level in the Kingdom.

With more people following and participating in motorsport than ever before in Saudi Arabia, the event is destined to present electrified entertainment for all while showcasing the population’s ever-increasing demand for all things motorsports.  




Besides on-track thrills and an unforgettable race experience, the Diriyah E-Prix offers a sensational mix of sport, music, and entertainment. (Supplied)

Carlo Boutagy, founder and CEO of the event’s promoter CBX, said: “We’re thrilled that the Diriyah E-Prix is returning for a sixth successive year and we can’t wait for the action to get underway.

“The year-long wait for world-class motorsport on the streets of Diriyah is almost over and this time around we can promise that the 2024 Diriyah E-Prix will be the biggest and best yet.

“Recent years have really shown the ever-growing appetite for motorsports and Formula E here in Saudi. With each edition comes more on-track excitement, more entertainment around the venue, and higher attendances featuring fans new and old. This makes for another incredible event in a few weeks’ time and everyone should purchase tickets before they sell out.”

Live from the Diriyah Street Circuit, visitors can expect exciting racing and exhilarating battles in the double-header in the dark. While illuminating the historic desert surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at At-Turaif, the event will provide the ultimate all-electric racing spectacle under the lights in Diriyah.

Besides on-track thrills and an unforgettable race experience, the Diriyah E-Prix offers a sensational mix of sport, music, and entertainment with Grammy-nominated American boy band Backstreet Boys headlining a lineup of artists including Egyptian rock band Cairokee, Dutch DJ Afrojack, American pop rock band OneRepublic, Nancy Ajram, and Swedish DJ and music producer Alesso.

Fans can obtain their seats through the FIA Formula E website where grandstand and general admission tickets are available from SR100.

Ahead of the races, which start at 8 p.m. on both days, ticket holders can enjoy a full day of entertainment for the whole family in the Allianz Fan Village, with racing simulators in the gaming arena, plus live music performances, street food, and much more.

The Diriyah E-Prix races are part of Saudi Arabia’s investment in sport, which aims to inspire people to enjoy active and healthy lives as part of the country’s Vision 2030 cultural transformation.

From its investments in grassroots infrastructure through to hosting international events — including motorsport, football, tennis, and boxing — the Ministry of Sport has helped inspire a 48 percent increase in weekly sports participation among the local population. The number of Saudi-based sports federations is also up from 32 in 2015 to 97.


Jeddah Corniche Circuit hosts main trial sessions ahead of SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024

Jeddah Corniche Circuit hosts main trial sessions ahead of SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024
Updated 28 November 2024
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Jeddah Corniche Circuit hosts main trial sessions ahead of SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024

Jeddah Corniche Circuit hosts main trial sessions ahead of SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024
  • European GT4 Series, supported by the R-Ace Club, began free practice sessions with 3 periods
  • Circuit also hosted the first, second official trial sessions for Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe supported by AWS

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Thursday hosted official trials for the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024, dubbed the world’s fastest street circuit, taking place in Saudi Arabia for the first time on Nov. 29-30.
The European GT4 Series, supported by the R-Ace Club, began their free practice sessions with three periods: The first started at 1:00 p.m., the second at 4:00 p.m. and the third concluded at 7:00 p.m.
Each session lasted one hour in preparation for the two-day race, which is being organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Motorsports Company, under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.
The circuit also hosted the first and second official trial sessions for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe supported by AWS, a media statement said.
The first session began at 2:15 p.m., and the second followed at 5:15 p.m., with each lasting 90 minutes. The endurance race, known as the “six-hour race,” covers a distance of 1,000 km.
Bronze category trials for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe supported by AWS were launched at 8:45 p.m. and lasted one hour.
As the SAL Jeddah GT 2024 competitions start tomorrow, the qualifying trials for the European GT4 Series supported by the R-Ace Club will take place at 2:15 p.m. and last one hour.
The second trial session, lasting 45 minutes, will start at 6:00 p.m. and determine the starting positions for the first European GT4 Series race, which will begin at 10:00 p.m. and last one hour.
The fan zones include various entertainment areas, children’s zones, interactive games, virtual reality experiences and carnival-style games.


Valtteri Bottas nears a return to Mercedes as F1 reserve after Mick Schumacher leaves

Valtteri Bottas nears a return to Mercedes as F1 reserve after Mick Schumacher leaves
Updated 28 November 2024
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Valtteri Bottas nears a return to Mercedes as F1 reserve after Mick Schumacher leaves

Valtteri Bottas nears a return to Mercedes as F1 reserve after Mick Schumacher leaves
  • “We’re talking and it’s going well. Still a bit of work to do but we’re talking,” Bottas said ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix
  • Bottas won 10 Formula 1 races over five seasons at Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate from 2017-21 but hasn’t scored a point this season with Sauber

LUSAIL, Qatar: Valtteri Bottas says he is nearing an agreement to return to Mercedes as its reserve driver for next year after Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, announced he was leaving.
“We’re talking and it’s going well. Still a bit of work to do but we’re talking,” Bottas said ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Bottas won 10 Formula 1 races over five seasons at Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate from 2017-21 but hasn’t scored a point this season with Sauber.
Bottas added he still needs to “finalize some things” on a possible return but feels he could be a mentor to 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will partner George Russell at Mercedes next year. Antonelli is stepping up from Formula 2 to replace Hamilton when the British driver heads to Ferrari for 2025.
“If I end up there, I think I would have a lot to give for a rookie driver who has not raced in Formula 1 yet,” Bottas said. “That would be, for sure, one part of my role, to give my input and try to share my knowledge as much as I can.”
Bottas is without a seat for 2025 after Sauber replaced him and Zhou Guanyu with a new lineup of the experienced Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto, ahead of rebranding as the Audi works team in 2026.
The new Cadillac team backed by General Motors is also on Bottas’ radar before it joins the series in 2026 as the 11th team on the grid.
“It’s interesting to me, and I think it’s great for F1. It’s a great brand and GM is a big backer behind, so for sure, it’s an interesting project,” Bottas said. He indicated he would seek to speak with Cadillac about possible opportunities.
Schumacher is moving on from his Mercedes reserve driver role after two years as he seeks a full-time racing role elsewhere.
It’s “tough” to watch F1 cars race without being able to take part, he said in a Mercedes statement.
“I want to get back to focusing 100 percent on racing. I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love,” he added.
Schumacher raced in F1 with Haas in 2021 and 2022 and has been competing this year with Alpine in the world endurance championship alongside his Mercedes duties.


Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race

Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race
Updated 27 November 2024
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Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race

Jeddah set for Fanatec GT World Challenge race
  • Anticipated SAL Jeddah Race, which will be held for the first time in the Kingdom on Nov. 29-30, will feature two major motorsport races and cover 1,000 km
  • Iconic manufacturers taking part include Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes AMG, BMW M Sport, Audi Sport and Ford

JEDDAH: Jeddah is all set for the final round of the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe on Friday when a 49-car field tackles a six-hour Endurance Cup race at Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

The anticipated SAL Jeddah Race, which will be held for the first time in the Kingdom on Nov. 29-30, will feature two major motorsport races and cover 1,000 km, making it the longest circuit race in Saudi history.

Iconic manufacturers taking part include Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes AMG, BMW M Sport, Audi Sport and Ford.

The GT4 European Series, supported by RAFA Racing Club, will feature four competitive categories, promising an exciting spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia:

Pro: A showcase for the world’s finest drivers and teams vying for top honors.

Gold: Designed to cultivate and elevate emerging driving talents.

Silver: A competitive platform featuring a mix of amateur and semi-professional drivers.

Bronze: A unique category combining experienced professionals with promising young drivers, offering a valuable learning experience.

Saudi Logistics Services, the official title sponsor for the Jeddah GT Race 2024, announced on Monday the arrival of more than 70 cars from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia in Spain to the port of Jeddah.

The SAL Jeddah GT Race is an endurance racing event that encourages drivers to push their maximum limits and test their stamina, strategy and reliability throughout the intense competition.

The event’s fan zone includes live entertainment and fun activities for families, as well as food festivals.


Diriyah circuit revealed as one of 3 additions to Formula E Trackmania

Diriyah circuit revealed as one of 3 additions to Formula E Trackmania
Updated 27 November 2024
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Diriyah circuit revealed as one of 3 additions to Formula E Trackmania

Diriyah circuit revealed as one of 3 additions to Formula E Trackmania
  • In partnership with game publisher Ubisoft, Formula E will unveil the Sao Paulo, Diriyah and Miami tracks on Dec. 4

LONDON: Formula E has announced Diriyah as one of three additional tracks in the popular Trackmania game.

Sao Paolo and Miami have also been added following the huge success of the inaugural three circuits featured in the game during year one of the partnership with game publisher Ubisoft.

The coming season features six Formula E circuits, with returning fan favorites Tokyo, Berlin and London joined by the new tracks.

Players will also have access to a bespoke Formula E Championship show car livery as well as those from all 11 race teams. Attack mode and energy management systems will continue to be incorporated via a Formula E game mode, with a competitive live race per circuit and cash prizes up for grabs.

A special test race is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 27 so players can familiarize themselves with the tracks and game mechanics before the official season begins.

Starting on Dec. 4, just before Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship kicks off at the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo, the specially designed street circuit will be revealed to Trackmania’s players through a Track of the Day launch, followed by the first official race.

Players will also be able to use 12 car liveries — 11 team skins from Formula E’s Season 11 and an exclusive championship skin.

Sanjay Shivaram, Formula E strategy and business development director, said: “As ever, our aim is to bring our fans closer to the action and as Formula E’s gaming offer continues to grow, we’re thrilled to integrate three new circuits into Trackmania for millions of fans to enjoy.

“It’s important to give fans and players the chance to put themselves in the driving seat and experience the thrill and drama of electric racing themselves. Through launching live races across six iconic Formula E circuits, fans will be able to experience (this) in an alternative, immersive format and take in the action for themselves. With cash prizes and a Grand Winner title to compete for, fans will be able to challenge themselves in their own racing championship and be part of the Formula E gaming community.”

Formula E first arrived in the Kingdom in Formula E’s fifth season and has raced in Diriyah six times. In 2025, the E-Prix moves to Jeddah, taking place on a modified version of the Jeddah Corniche Short Circuit on Feb. 14-15.


Verstappen wins fourth consecutive Formula One world title

Verstappen wins fourth consecutive Formula One world title
Updated 24 November 2024
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Verstappen wins fourth consecutive Formula One world title

Verstappen wins fourth consecutive Formula One world title
  • The 27-year-old Dutchman came home in fifth place in a race won by George Russell of Mercedes
  • McLaren’s Lando Norris, who was Verstappen’s only title rival, finished in sixth place

LAS VEGAS: Max Verstappen claimed a fourth consecutive Formula One world title under the lights of the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Dutchman came home in fifth place in a race won by George Russell of Mercedes as he became just the sixth man after Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost to claim four championships.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who was Verstappen’s only title rival, finished in sixth place.

“Oh my god what a season, four times, thank you guys,” Verstappen told his Red Bull team on the radio.

“It’s a little more difficult than last year, but we pulled through. Thank you so much guys.”

Russell came home 7.313 seconds clear of seven-time champion and Mercedes teammate Hamilton, who had started from 10th on the grid.

The Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were third and fourth places respectively.

Norris, in sixth, was 43 seconds adrift ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Nico Hulkenberg was eighth for Haas ahead of RB’s Yuki Tsunoda and Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull.

Norris, who needed to outscore Verstappen by three points to keep his title hopes alive, took an extra point for fastest lap, but his challenge was over.

On a dry, windy and milder night in the Nevada desert, the air and track temperature was 18 degrees as Russell made a perfect start from his fourth pole position to lead with Leclerc, from fourth, leaping to second off the grid.

Everyone except Fernando Alonso started on mediums, the Spaniard taking softs that lasted only four laps while, at the front, Leclerc made an early bid to pass Russell and Verstappen swept by Pierre Gasly for fourth.

The Dutchman, looking imperious, made more progress on lap nine by passing Leclerc for third as Norris overtook Gasly for fifth while Hamilton moved up to eighth.

Piastri was given a five-second penalty for a false start, from outside his grid box, as Sainz, Leclerc and Norris pitted for hards, followed by Verstappen and Russell on lap 12.

Hamilton profited from the frantic action to lead the race for a lap before the order settled with Russell leading ahead of Perez, who made an early stop, and Verstappen.

On lap 15, Perez waved Verstappen through to second behind Russell and Gasly retired with engine failure in his Alpine.

Hamilton, showing great speed, climbed to fifth by lap 20 behind the two Ferraris, leaving Norris struggling in sixth.

“The front right looks like it is about to go any lap,” reported Norris. His title dream, like his tires, appeared to be evaporating as McLaren slithered in pursuit, unable to find any grip.

By half-distance, Russell led Verstappen by 11 seconds with Sainz, complaining about his tires, third ahead of Leclerc and Hamilton before, on lap 28, both multiple champions pitted.

Hamilton was hampered by Sainz, crossing in and out of the pit lane as Ferrari ordered him to stay out and swap places with Leclerc. The Spaniard pitted a lap later, falling to sixth.

All this saw Norris rise to third before he pitted again on lap 31 falling to seventh while Hamilton, in the mood, cruised past Verstappen for second behind Russell.

Irked by suggestions that his “shelf life” was ending, Hamilton, on older tires, trimmed Russell’s lead from 11 seconds to six in five vintage laps.

Verstappen, concentrating on the big prize, was passed by Sainz but kept Leclerc behind him with Norris 10 seconds adrift in sixth until lap 47 when the Monegasque passed him for fourth.