Formula E set to electrify Saudi Arabia with first night race

Saudi Arabia will host Formula E's very first night event in 2021, with a double-header weekend scheduled on February 26-27 on the streets of Diriyah.

The pair of races will constitute the third and fourth rounds of the 2021 FIA Formula E Championship and follow the all-electric series' opening double-header at Santiago, Chili.

For Formula E's third visist to Saudi Arabia, Diriyah will light up its streets thanks in part to a low consumption LED floodlighting technology that will reduce energy consumption by up to fifty per cent compared to non-LED technologies.

The remaining energy needed to supply the floodlighting will be sourced from fully renewable technology provided by high performing low-carbon certified hydrogenated vegetable oil made from sustainable materials.

©FormulaE

"We are very proud to partner with Saudi to create Formula E’s first-ever night race," said FE co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo

"I am confident the race will be spectacular and lead to a style of competitive action we haven’t seen before.

"As with everything we do, our first thought was about how to bring our sporting vision to life in a sustainable way.

"Before we innovate our racing product, we must be confident we can maintain the standards of sustainable practice we hold ourselves accountable to."

Read also: F1 and Saudi Arabia confirm Jeddah street race in 2021

Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, the Saudi Arabia minister of sport added: "In 2018, the ancient historical city of Diriyah made history in hosting the first fully electric race on the streets of the region.

"The debut event sparked so much joy and energy to our sporting journey and was one of a number of major sporting firsts that have since inspired our people and helped to shine a spotlight on Saudi Arabia's massive transformation under the Kingdom's vision 2030.

"In 2019, Diryah was the first to host back to back races during a race weekend and now once again we will make sporting history.

"It is very fitting that a place so ancient will showcase the latest in sustainable technology as Diriyah lights up to shine bright for the world to see.

"We look forward to the dramatic racing and incredible scenes that are guaranteed to unfold under the lights."

As a reminder, Formula 1 is also set to visit Saudi Arabia next year, with Jeddah hosting the country's first Grand Prix on its floodlit streets on November 28, 2021.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.