Formula E has announced a 10-year deal with Saudi Arabia to host a race in Riyadh from 2018/19, with the new event installed as the season-opener.
Formula E's deal will bring international motorsport to Saudi Arabia for the first time while the venue, which will be on the outskirts of the city, will be the background of the competitive debut of the championship's all new Gen2 machinery.
"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 Alejandro Agag, Formula E's Founder and CEO.
"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.”
The date of the inaugural E-Prix in Riyadh has not yet been confirmed, with Formula E's Season Five calendar still needing approval and confirmation from the FIA's World Motor Sport Council.
Formula E's alignment with Saudi Arabia's future vision explains the choice of venue for the Season Five opener, as explained by His Royal Highness, Prince Abdulaziz:
"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.
"The length of the partnership will give Saudi Arabia and Formula E the platform to create a lasting legacy for both the sport globally and the Kingdom over the course of a decade.
"This is the latest in a series of game-changing sports events that the people of Saudi Arabia will now be able to enjoy as families, with benefits that go far beyond the sport to deliver a positive impact across our society.
"Also for the next generation of Formula E, perhaps with a future champion, technician, engineer or team manager watching from the crowd in Riyadh and being inspired by the sport."
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