It promises to be an exciting weekend ahead as the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship comes around for Rounds 3 and 4 at Jeddah. This is set to be Formula E’s first races under the lights on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and its solitary night races this season. Action and tactical gameplay come high-paced in what can only be called one of the fastest circuits that Formula E has seen.
A High-Speed Challenge
The 3.001 km anti-clockwise layout of Jeddah has been specially adapted for Formula E, with 19 corners. Including four new chicanes – designed to test speed and technical ability in equal measure. With 31 laps of racing, drivers will have to balance the fast-flowing sections. Drivers need to be carefully managing their energy levels. Pole position will be on the right-hand side of the grid. While the Attack Mode activation is situated at Turn 13. Changes to the track were completed within just 30 days to ensure a smooth transition for the championship.
Formula E veteran Sébastien Buemi shared his thoughts on racing in Jeddah, stating:
“Going to a new circuit adds an exciting challenge, especially for the first double-header of the season. Racing under the lights will create a fantastic atmosphere, and the introduction of Pit Boost is bound to make the race even more unpredictable.”
The Introduction of PIT BOOST
For the first time in around seven years, Formula E will see a mandatory pit stop with PIT BOOST. The new innovation brings a 10% energy boost of 3.85kWh via a 30-second, 600kW rapid charge in the pit lane. Attack Mode and PIT BOOST together add a fresh layer of strategy. Teams must time their stops to perfection, balancing not losing track position with maximizing energy gains.
FIA has imposed some conditions based on SoC of the car when PIT BOOST can be taken. Drivers need to take the boost when their SoC falls below 60% but stays above 40%. Only one car per team can use PIT BOOST at a time, hence calling for team coordination. Besides showcasing Formula E’s race-to-road innovation this plays a facilitation role.
“It’s going to add another strategic element that teams are going to have to be on top of. I think it’s going to create opportunities to overtake, as well as mix up the run of race a bit more.” – Robin Frijns
Jeddah: A City of Contrasts
Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s route into the Red Sea and also represents a city within which ancient history uniquely intertwines with modernity. From the striking waterfront to the busy souks and ever-changing skyline. Truly Jeddah is a city of great cultural and economic activity.
Among its mainstays is the iconic King Fahd Fountain, the world’s tallest of its kind. Along with the historic Al-Balad district, which enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. Hosting the Formula E championship further underlines Jeddah’s place among the globe’s motorsport elite.
Formula E’s History in Saudi Arabia
Though this will be the first time Formula E will race in Jeddah, the series is no stranger to Saudi Arabia, where it has competed in Diriyah. The Diriyah E-Prix has provided some fantastic racing under the lights, with winners such as Jake Dennis and Nick Cassidy.
Andretti Formula E has been the king of Saudi Arabia, having taken five of the last six wins within the Kingdom. Jake Dennis remains the only driver to have secured four podiums in Saudi Arabia and boasts the biggest margin of victory in Formula E, having secured a +13.289-second lead in Season 10. Swiss driver Nico Müller also starts his 50th Formula E race in Jeddah and could score his 100th career championship point if he finishes in the points.
A Weekend for Rising Stars
Thursday will see a Rookie Free Practice Session, where new talents will get to try out the Gen3 Evo cars. The session underlines Formula E’s commitment to innovation and giving opportunities to emerging drivers. Among the rookies participating are Thomas Preining for Porsche, Jamie Chadwick for Jaguar, and Daniil Kvyat for DS PENSKE. This session is one of the most important times to evaluate future talents and get the rookies used to the peculiar demands of Formula E.
Zak O’Sullivan, making his debut with Envision Racing, shared his excitement:
“It’s going to be a new challenge for me. The session itself will provide a good opportunity to learn the car, and I’ll be making sure to spend as much time with the team as possible throughout the race week.”
A Tight Championship Battle
With two different winners in the opening two rounds of Season 11, it is all to play for in the title fight. To date, series leader António Félix da Costa is aiming to continue his early-season form and turn strong performances into race victories, while second-placed Oliver Rowland is hoping to maintain momentum after a win in Mexico.
The Jeddah E-Prix could also prove vital for several teams who want to throw their hat into the ring for title contenders. With a new circuit, night racing and the introduction of PIT BOOST, strategy will come into play more than ever.
When to Watch
It is scheduled to fire into action this Thursday, 13 February with the Rookie Free Practice session taking place later on in the day, as does Free Practice 1 in the evening. The qualifying and racing will come into play across the Friday and Saturday, while both races start off at 20:05 local time.
Thursday, 13 February
Rookie Free Practice: 18:00 local / 15:00 UTC
Free Practice 1: 21:00 local / 18:00 UTC
Friday, 14 February (Race 1)
Free Practice 2: 13:00 local / 10:00 UTC
Qualifying: 15:20 local / 12:20 UTC
Race Start: 20:05 local / 17:05 UTC
Saturday, 15 February (Race 2)
Free Practice 3: 13:00 local / 10:00 UTC
Qualifying: 15:20 local / 12:00 UTC
Race Start: 20:05 local / 17:05 UTC
With all the ingredients combined for a thrilling weekend, the Jeddah E-Prix is bound to be one of the pivotal moments of Season 11. Put night racing and a high-speed circuit together, add in pioneering technology, and this promises to be an event to remember.
Will it be a new name at the very pinnacle, or will the stars of old continue to stretch their advantage? The answers will unfold under the lights of Jeddah.