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Diriyah E-Prix Preview

All you need to know about Rounds 2 & 3 in Saudi Arabia

Following the team's debut in Mexico City, this weekend presents a new challenge with the first double-header of the season. Hear from NEOM McLaren Formula E drivers Jake Hughes and René Rast, and Team Principal Ian James as they prepare for Round 2 and 3 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.  

Key info

Round  2 & 3
When  26 - 28 January 
Where Diriyah, Saudi Arabia  
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“I can’t wait to race in Diriyah this weekend. I had a very positive first race in Mexico City, qualifying P3, finishing P5. It was my first Formula E race as a rookie, my first points and a good foundation to build on this season. I’ve been really impressed with how the team have adapted to Gen3 and we’re working together really well. That will be crucial in Diriyah this weekend as we head into the first double-header of the season. I think the track is one of the best on the calendar, so I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully with the same work ethic and same preparation we had in Mexico City, we can achieve similar results.” 

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“I’m really looking forward to the Diriyah E-Prix. It’s one of my favourite circuits on the calendar. The track is very quick, especially in the first two sectors, and there are a lot of medium and high-speed corners. Hopefully this weekend translates into a positive one and I can have more success compared to the Mexico City E-Prix, where I didn’t have the weekend I wanted. I’m looking forward to turning things around in Diriyah.” 

Ian James, Team Principal

“After a satisfying first round of the season for the team in Mexico City, just over a week ago, I’m looking forward to continue the racing in Saudi Arabia this coming weekend. The team has been performing superbly and both drivers have shown some good pace – Jake especially impressed with his performance in Mexico City. It is an exciting prospect to return to a track that has delivered some thrilling racing, and it’s a track that is loved by many - from fans to drivers. It’s always great to go racing, but there’s some extra anticipation around this particular race weekend for us as a team, as it’s the home race for our Title Partner NEOM.

“During the first round of the season we were able to see how close and competitive the field actually is this season; I think we can conclude it will be a tough fight. I can’t wait for ‘lights out’ on Friday and Saturday on the floodlit streets of Diriyah.”

When and where to watch

Round 2

Free Practice 1 (26 January) 17:55 local / 14:55 MTC
Free Practice 2 (27 January) 13:25 local / 10:25 MTC
Qualifying (27 January) 15:40 local / 12:40 MTC
Race (27 January) 20:03 local / 17:03 MTC

Round 3

Free Practice 3 (28 January) 13:25 local / 10:25 MTC
Qualifying (28 January) 15:40 local / 12:40 MTC
Race (28 January) 20:03 local / 17:03 MTC

• Free Practices: Channel 4 Sport YouTube, Eurosport Player, Formula E YouTube

• Qualifying: Channel 4 Sport YouTube, Eurosport 2 (delayed), Eurosport Player

• Race: Channel 4 Sport YouTube, Eurosport 1, Eurosport Player

Find the broadcast options in your territory here. 

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