Rounds 1 and 2 of Formula E’s maiden campaign as an FIA World Championship will take place amid the historic desert surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage site, with the streets of historic Diriyah, Saudi Arabia the stage for the series’ season-opener for a third year in a row.
The Diriyah E-Prix will run at 17:00 GMT (20:00 local time) on February 26 & 27, with the next set of races to be confirmed in early 2021. All calendar updates are subject to approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Double-header in the dark
Even the most intense, unpredictable racing can take place without the environment paying the price.
The latest low-power LED technology will reduce energy consumption by up to 50 per cent compared to non-LED tech. The remaining power for floodlighting will be fully renewable, provided by low-carbon certified hydrogenated vegetable oil made from sustainable materials.
‘The Duel in the Desert'
Last time out in Saudi, Sam Bird soared out of the blocks to take to the top step for Envision Virgin Racing in a storming first race of Season 6, with Alexander Sims (then-BMW i Andretti Motorsport) following up with a maiden victory in Round 2.
The battle of the debutant German marques saw TAG Heuer Porsche open its podium account via Andre Lotterer in its very first E-Prix, with Stoffel Vandoorne matching that feat on behalf of Mercedes-Benz EQ, following up with second trip to the rostrum in as many races for Mercedes.