Envision Racing are set to take on the first double-header of the season under the lights in Saudi Arabia.
A new circuit for Formula E, a rookie test, two-night races, and the debut for the highly anticipated technological advancement for the championship … Rounds 3 & 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship are set to be thrilling.
The all-electric series heads to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the first time, after previously visiting the Kingdom’s historic capital, Diriyah, for the past six seasons.
The circuit has been altered from the Formula 1 layout to adapt to the GEN3 Evo machines more effectively and continue to put on a spectacle for fans in the grandstands and at home.
The weekend will kick off with a Rookie FP0 session, in which newest team member, Zak O’Sullivan will step into the Green Machine for the first time on track. The 40-minute session will be crucial for not only O’Sullivan to learn as much as he can, but also for the team to begin gathering data for the race week ahead.
Official drivers Sebastien Buemi and Robin Frijns have more than just a new circuit to tackle in Jeddah – they will also be working tirelessly with the team to navigate the latest strategical element, Pit Boost.
The 34-second pit stop – which has to be taken at some point during the race – will enable the cars to receive an extra 10% of energy increase (3.85kWh).
Pit Boost is scheduled to take place during one race across double-header race weeks for the remainder of Season 11, and it will be implemented during the first race (Round 3) in Jeddah.
THE CIRCUIT
The 19 turn 3.001km circuit boasts long and flowing straights divided by fast and technical chicanes.
The 22-car field will blast down the start/finish straight into a tight left-hander followed by a hairpin, which is certain to provide plenty of action when the lights go green.
Strategy is going to be more vital than ever, with the introduction of Pit Boost during Race 1 of the weekend. The extra energy taken at the perfect time could be the difference in winning – while we have already seen the importance of picking the right moment to activate Attack Mode in doing well in races this season.
With temperatures set to be high, and the being the first and only night races on the calendar this year, the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix contains all of the ingredients to produce Formula E excitement.
TRACK RECORD
Previous Results in Saudi Arabia Season 10:
Sebastien Buemi: P12 & DNS
Robin Frijns: P10 & P2
Buemi was unable to make the start in Race 2 in Diriyah last season, due to an unfortunate incident late in qualifying. However, team-mate Frijns was able to bring home the big points for the Envision Racing squad, and his P2 finish on Saturday became the 50th podium for the team – adding most podiums in Formula E history to the record books.
WHAT OUR DRIVERS HAVE TO SAY
Sebastien Buemi said: “Going to a new circuit adds an exciting challenge to the first double-header weekend of the season. I’m looking forward to racing under the lights in Jeddah, and for the introduction of Pit Boost, which will impact the race massively and hopefully be exciting to watch.”
Robin Frijns said: “The weekend is going to be very interesting with a new circuit for us to learn and Pit Boost – which is going to add another strategic element to be on top of. It’s always fun racing at a new location, and I hope we are as strong there as I was last season in the country.”
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