FIA Formula E

Bringing Racing To Riyadh – Saudi To Host Formula E Championship

May 18, 2018

Formula E has agreed a ten-year deal with Saudi Arabia to host the Championship in Riyadh from next season.

The announcement was made by members of the Saudi Royal Family, sports officials and Formula E Founder & CEO, Alejandro Agag.

The race will see cars navigate the streets of the Ad Diriyah district, with motorsport promoter Carlo Boutagy tasked to deliver and promote the race through his company CBX.

The electric series CEO, Agag, said of the deal: “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 focussing 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.”

His Royal Highness, Prince Abdulaziz, added: “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.”

FIA Formula E