Race takes centre stage

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, along with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, yesterday attended the second edition of the Saudi Arabia Diriyah E-Prix, held in Riyadh.

HRH the Crown Prince extended his congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the success of the second edition of the Diriyah E-Prix. HRH the Crown Prince highlighted that the region has an extensive motorsport fan-base and, as a host of prestigious races, is a leading destination in the international motorsport calendar.

HRH went on to commend Saudi Arabia for its role in advancing the motorsport industry in the Middle East. On this note, HRH the Crown Prince expressed his pleasure in attending the first race of the sixth season of the Formula E championship, noting the unique historical features of the Diriyah Circuit make for a challenging racetrack and exciting races, which entertain sporting fans around the world. HRH the Crown Prince concluded by praising Bahrain’s F1 stewards, who have successfully provided on the ground support to many regional and international motorsport events.

In this regard, HRH the Crown Prince highlighted the joint effort between the Bahrain Motor Federation and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation ahead of and during the 2019-2020 Formula E Championship season. HRH the Crown Prince noted this collaborative relationship is a further example of the close cooperation between the two Kingdoms across various sectors. 

The Representative of HM the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, along with HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, accompanied HRH the Crown Prince to the race.  Fans were treated to a double-header on the opening week of the new campaign with two races in Riyadh.

The Diriyah ePrix sees the most competitive grid in the championship’s history with Mercedes and Porsche joining the fight. Jean-Eric Vergne will be out to defend his crown after becoming the first two time world champion as he wrapped up back-to-back titles.