Formula E is set to make its debut in the Middle East next season in Riyadh, with the Saudi Arabian capital scheduled to host the opening round of the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship in December.
Formula E is a class of auto racing that uses only electric-powered cars. The series was conceived in 2011, and the inaugural championship started in Beijing in September 2014.
In a first for the electric street racing series, Formula E will bring international motorsport to the Gulf kingdom for the very first time as part of a 10-year agreement with the General Sports Authority and Saudi Arabian Motor Federation.
The announcement was made by Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdullah AlFaisal, president of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, vice-chair of the Saudi Arabia General Sports Authority, together with founder and CEO of Formula E, Alejandro Agag.
“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,” said Agag.
“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.
“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.” More
By Sam Bridge arabianbusiness.com
