https://arab.news/4dg62
- Rounds 2, 3 of the season promise thrilling moments
- Host of major stars targeting success at event
DIRIYAH: A week ahead of the 2024 Diriyah E-Prix and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s highly anticipated return to Saudi Arabia, excitement among the Kingdom’s motorsport enthusiasts is at record levels.
As the world’s top drivers prepare to battle it out in back-to-back night races at the Riyadh Street Circuit on Jan. 26-27, audiences are gearing up for electrified entertainment.
Rounds two and three of the 2023/24 season promise to present thrilling moments, mass excitement, and exceptional high-speed racing as teams and drivers go head-to-head in a showcase of speed, strategy, and sustainable racing excellence.
Returning with a record-extending sixth edition, the 2024 Diriyah E-Prix promises non-stop action and an unforgettable race experience with a host of major stars targeting success.
After winning the season’s opener in Mexico City last weekend, Pascal Wehrlein arrives in Saudi Arabia with some momentum.
The TAG Heuer Porsche driver, the winner of both Diriyah E-Prix races last term, is optimistic he and his team can have a “strong weekend,” but is taking nothing for granted.
He said: “Winning here last year was pretty special and we obviously had a fantastic start to the season in Mexico but nothing is guaranteed.
“Just because we won Riyadh last year or we won the last race in Mexico doesn’t mean Riyadh will be easy for us. There’s still a lot we need to do to make sure we are on top, and hopefully we have a strong weekend again. But for me, it’s so tight that small differences can make a big difference in the result. It will be pretty hard again, I’m sure.”
Wehrlein faces stiff competition. Reigning world champion Jake Dennis and former champions Antonio Felix da Costa, Sebastien Buemi, Lucas di Grassi, Nyck de Vries, Stoffel Vandoorne, and Jean-Eric Vergne are among the 22 drivers lining up on the grid.
Many others also have Formula E race victories on their records — including Sam Bird, Edoardo Mortara, Maximilian Gunther, and Robin Frijns — and will be looking to add to their tally next week.
The Diriyah E-Prix is the latest illustration of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting the very best international events across all sports. While enabling the Kingdom to build relationships and showcase the nation’s passionate sporting culture to the world, hosting events such as the e-prix provide new opportunities for Saudis to be inspired, pursue dreams, and realize potential.
The Diriyah E-Prix is part of a year-round schedule of international sports in the Kingdom, with motorsport, football, boxing, tennis, esports, combat sports, golf, and equestrian events all locked in so far for 2024.
Fans can secure their seats at https://webook.com/en/events/2024-diriyah-e-prix. Grandstand and general admission tickets are available from SR100 ($26).