Formula E heads to Diriyah for the first double header of the season.
At 2.495km the fast-flowing circuit couldn’t be any different to the challenge presented to the drivers in the first round in Mexico. The Diriyah track is more of a classic Formula E circuit with the championship’s signature “street track” style.
After having an easier ride in Mexico, energy management will be key for the drivers during the two races in Riyadh. Having struggled with energy management in Mexico, it will be interesting to see if Mahindra’s Lucas DiGrassi can continue his fine form from the opening round.
The event is also the flagship night race of the season, with the Formula E cars racing under the lights as the series uses the event to champion sustainable energy resources.
Andretti’s Jake Dennis comes into the weekend leading the championship for the first time since he joined in Season 7 after a dominant display in Mexico. The Briton is no stranger to success in Diriyah, taking third place in the opening race of Season 8 in the desert.
With the rounds coming thick and fast in the opening stages of the championship we could see Dennis mount a serious challenge for the title if he can keep consistent in these first few rounds.
After ABT’s Robin Frijns retired with an injury in Mexico, South Africa’s Kelvin Van der Linde will make his competitive debut for the team. Despite Diriyah being a technical and high-speed track that is difficult to master, Van der Linde could benefit from having two days to learn a lot around the same circuit.
While the team will keep a close eye on Frijns’ recovery, it is expected he may miss a few rounds, therefore a reliable weekend for the team will be essential for Van der Linde’s progress.
After starting the season as favourites, DS Penske will be looking to have a better weekend in Diriyah with the team scoring just one point in the first round through Stoffel Vandoorne. Their drivers have had success here before, having four podiums between them yet neither of them has won a race in Saudi Arabia.
The action kicks off in Diriyah win Friday with shakedown and free practice 1 starting at 18:00 local time.
At 2.495km the fast-flowing circuit couldn’t be any different to the challenge presented to the drivers in the first round in Mexico. The Diriyah track is more of a classic Formula E circuit with the championship’s signature “street track” style.
After having an easier ride in Mexico, energy management will be key for the drivers during the two races in Riyadh. Having struggled with energy management in Mexico, it will be interesting to see if Mahindra’s Lucas DiGrassi can continue his fine form from the opening round.
Diriyah also acts as Formula E’s night race of the season, with the Formula E cars taking to the track under the lights.
Andretti’s Jake Dennis comes into the weekend leading the championship for the first time since he joined in Season 7 after a dominant display in Mexico. The Briton is no stranger to success in Diriyah, taking third place in the opening race of Season 8 in the desert.
With the rounds coming thick and fast in the opening stages of the championship we could see Dennis mount a serious challenge for the title if he can keep consistent in these first few rounds.
After ABT’s Robin Frijns retired with an injury in Mexico, South Africa’s Kelvin Van der Linde will make his competitive debut for the team. Despite Diriyah being a technical and high-speed track that is difficult to master, Van der Linde could benefit from having two days to learn a lot around the same circuit.
While the team will keep a close eye on Frijns’ recovery, it is expected he may miss a few rounds, therefore a reliable weekend for the team will be essential for Van der Linde’s progress.
After starting the season as favourites, DS Penske will be looking to have a better weekend in Diriyah with the team scoring just one point in the first round through Stoffel Vandoorne. Their drivers have had success here before, having four podiums between them yet neither of them has won a race in Saudi Arabia.
The action kicks off in Diriyah on Friday with shakedown and free practice 1 starting at 18:00 local time.
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