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Qualifying key ahead of 2024 Diriyah E-Prix, says former World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne

Qualifying key ahead of 2024 Diriyah E-Prix, says former World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne

Belgian driver Stoffel Vandoorne has previewed the highly anticipated 2024 Diriyah E-Prix, the flagship ABB FIA Formula E World Championship event, which finally gets underway tomorrow with the first of two night races locked in for Friday and Saturday.

24 hours out from what promises to be another epic weekend of electrified entertainment live from the Diriyah Circuit, the former world champion has given his take on what awaits the world’s best drivers in their bid for Diriyah glory.

Having seen the circuit first-hand while finalizing his preparations for Riyadh’s biggest motorsport event of the year, the 31-year-old DS Penske driver insists a strong showing in qualifying holds the key to accumulating valuable championship points.

Stoffel Vandoorne said: “The Diriyah E-Prix is always a very dynamic race and as drivers, we have to be on the very top of our game. You never quite know what will be possible in terms of overtaking – conditions can always change and this is only the second race weekend of the year, so everyone’s finding their feet. We’ll see what happens, but qualifying will be very important, for sure.”

The 2021/22 champion continued: “Energy management is essential for the Diriyah E-Prix. Obviously, the track has the same layout and we’re used to it – but it has been resurfaced in places and this will affect our grip out there a little. The current dust also makes for a tricky weekend and temperatures are changing a lot. There are lots of factors in play, and this makes qualification even more important. Execution out there is a must and that’s what the team and I are focused on.”

The starting grid for round 2 will be decided tomorrow afternoon – hours before the first race begins. While a favorable position on the grid is a priority for Vandoorne, returning to Saudi Arabia also means racing on a track where he loves to compete.

After a top-eight finish at the Season 10 opener in Mexico City two weeks ago, he said he feels ‘very good’ heading into the weekend and aims to keep improving with the whole season ahead.

While discussing race weekend, Vandoorne also spoke about the Diriyah E-Prix from a fan perspective, as well as the event’s evolution since its debut in 2018.

He added: “Night races are always special. Everything just looks a little bit cooler and the racing action looks more fun for fans – especially those watching live from the venue. The Diriyah E-Prix has grown so much in the last few years. It’s not just the races here – it’s the fan village and the concerts too. The fans really appreciate the live entertainment alongside the races. For me, it’s great to be here and involved in a city and a country that’s developing through motorsport.”

This year’s Diriyah E-Prix is the latest illustration of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to host the very best international events across all sports.

As well as world class motor racing, the event offers a weekend of sport and entertainment, with OneRepublic, on Friday, and the Backstreet Boys, on Saturday, headlining a weekend of live music. Axwell and Nancy Ajram are also starring on the Friday night, while Afrojack and Cairokee perform on the Saturday. In addition to the incredible live music, there is entertainment for the whole family with a gaming arena, street food, and much more.

The Diriyah E-Prix is part of an incredible year-round schedule of international sports in the Kingdom, with motorsport, football, boxing, tennis, esports, combat sports, golf, and equestrian events all locked in for 2024 – and with more to come.

With a weekend of supercharged action and electrified entertainment fast approaching, fans can secure their seats through the FIA Formula E website for the January 26 & 27 races. Grandstand and general admission tickets are available from SAR100.

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