With less than one day to go until lights out at the highly-anticipated Formula E Diriyah E-Prix, the buzz around the season’s opening race in Riyadh has been supercharged by the spectacle of the Championship’s first ever night race. But with the excitement comes an element of caution, with the first race of the season a spectatorless event in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of fans, drivers, media and workers alike.
The health and safety of those involved in race weekend is the number one priority for the Ministry of Sports, as well as those associated with Formula E. In order to minimise any risk of infection, the Diriyah E-Prix will apply strict COVID-19 protocols, which includes restrictive bubbles in order to separate different populations, along with a rigorous PCR Testing regime.
Ultimately, the event site will be split into two separate areas, or “Bubbles”. Red – Drivers, Media & Event Staff; and Blue – Hospitality.
All members inside the Red Bubble will undergo regular compulsory PCR tests and adhere to strict principles of behaviour inside and outside the event venue, including having no contact with members of the other bubble.
For Season 7, Formula E will have its own PCR Test Laboratory on-site to process the swabs taken during PCR Tests at the Formula E PCR Test Centre. Having a Formula E managed, and dedicated PCR Test Laboratory on-site allows for increased adaptability and flexibility, reducing the dependency on local PCR test facilities, and guaranteeing consistent & high standards for quicker delivery of results.
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), said: “The safety and wellbeing of everyone associated with the Diriyah E—Prix, including teams, drivers, support staff and on-site workers is the number one priority for us. It’s because of this that we have put into place the most stringent of safety measures which are necessary for us to host the opening races of Season 7. We are confident that the protocols will ensure the utmost protection for everyone involved and allow us to deliver this iconic spectacle to fans in the Kingdom and all over the world”.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, no fans are able to attend this weekend’s races. However, all the action will be broadcast live on KSA Sports with the races starting at 8pm local time, making it unmissable for motorsport fanatics or anyone new to the sport.
Fans can also get involved in the races via FIA Formula E’s social media channels – even having an impact on the on-track action! Formula E’s innovate FANBOOST allows online followers to vote for their favourite driver and award them an extra boost of power during the race, allowing them to directly improve their chances of winning.
Held under the glow of eco-friendly LED technology lighting – plus the shine of the stars above – the night races will be the first of their kind in Formula E and are guaranteed to bring even more electric spark to the now world-famous 2.495km street circuit.
Add to that 12 teams and 24 of the best drivers in world motorsport – arguably the most competitive line-up in the history of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – and the anticipation ahead of the weekend’s season opening double-header could not be greater.
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