Formula E returns to Riyadh later today for race two of the Season 7 opening round in Diriyah. The excitement levels in the Saudi capital continues to build following an electric opening race last night which saw a maiden victory for Mercedes-EQ driver Nyck de Vries.
Completing the podium was Edoardo Mortara of ROCKiT Venturi Racing in second and Mitch Evans from Jaguar Racing in third.
Speaking of his podium finish, Mortara said: “”When I am in the car doing these moves my heart stops! Wehrlein moved at the last minute so I had to go on the left as I was quite surprised. It was the key moment of the race and I was really happy to survive the chaos and finish second. It’s exciting.
Talking about his experience of the track at the world UNESCO heritage site, he continued “You can see that the organizers have put in a lot of time to get the track ready and it’s a pleasure coming to race in an historical place like Diriyah; the effort they’ve put in to host the first ever night race is amazing.”
24 drivers from 12 teams will take to the track this evening for another day of racing, and while race two will also sadly be held without spectators, fans still have plenty of opportunity to get involved from home – either by watching live on KSA Sports TV or the channel’s Twitter page @riyadiyatv.
Speaking following the last night’s race, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation said: “What an incredible race. Once again Diriyah has made sporting history with another ‘first’ and I’m so pleased Saudi Arabia has proudly opened this wonderful series to start Season 7. It’s a championship that aligns so perfectly with our future vision and commitment to sustainability as a nation. You can tell the drivers love the track and I’ve no doubt millions around the world have been thoroughly entertained.”
“Due to COVID we have all faced many challenges over the last year. There have been dark moments and many felt staging the race would be impossible. But tonight the light has shone bright and it is clear, the Kingdom is not slowing down. It is a sign of hope and a positive step forward that shows what can be achieved if we work together to overcome all obstacles.”
The Diriyah E-Prix signifies a significant milestone in the history of Formula E while building on Saudi Arabia’s continued momentum and growing reputation in hosting world class motorsport. Despite the challenges of COVID, 2021 promises much with the country committed to host four FIA sanctioned events. Following the season opener for Formula E this weekend, April will see the first ever Extreme E race take to the breathtaking Al Ula, before the country plays host to its inaugural Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in early December. Then finally closing out the year with the return of Formula E Season 8.
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