Riyadh confirmed for 2018/19 Formula E opener

Riyadh has been confirmed as the host of the 2018-19 Formula E season opener in December as part of a 10-year agreement with the series.

The Saudi Arabia capital has secured a deal with the all-electric series to host the first round of season five – and the debut of the Gen2 cars – marking Formula E’s maiden venture to the city.

The circuit is set to be built on the outskirts of the city while an exact date of the race is yet to be officially confirmed by the FIA’s World Motor Sport council.

“Bringing racing to Riyadh for the first round of the new season is the perfect setting for the next phase of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship," Agag said. "An exciting and vibrant country that is focussing on its future, Saudi Arabia will be the ideal venue to mark the competitive debut of the next generation Formula E cars.

“We think Saudi Arabia - with the new vision of Prince Abdulaziz, Prince Khalid and the country - is a fitting location to launch the latest chapter of the electric street racing series.

“Many other sports are already increasing their presence in Saudi Arabia and we’re proud that they’ve chosen Formula E over other categories in racing.

“Most countries are now looking to Formula E, especially Saudi Arabia which is concentrating on the development of new technologies, renewable energies and electric vehicles.”

Experienced motorsport promoter Carlo Boutagy has been named as head of delivery of the event through CBX, with full details on location and circuit layout to be revealed in the coming months.