Saudi Drivers Ready for Racing Action Despite Rain at Ad Diriyah Showdown

Local racing heroes Ahmed Bin Khanen and Bandar Alesayi of the Saudi Racing team will line up in the final of the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY today, despite a morning of rain hitting qualifying laps.

The world’s first international championship for production-based electric cars will go ahead at 12.50pm today, but adverse weather conditions mean qualifying times have been taken from yesterday’s Free Practice Session.

While New Zealand driver Simon Evans starts from pole position, Bander (car 12) will have to fight from 6th on the starting grid and Ahmed (car 24) faces a bigger challenge starting from 8th out of the pack of 12. Both drivers have been supported by the General Sports Authority (GSA) and the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF).

At a press conference Bandar said: “I am really thrilled to represent Saudi and to be part of the first race of Jaguar in front of my home crowd, I very happy to be here. It’s bit tricky out there for us but looking for to it. I want to just enjoy myself and put on a good show.”

Ahmed said: “This city circuit is a bit tricky, but we are getting there. I’m very proud to have Formula E and the Jaguar eTROPHY here in Saudi Arabia, hopefully we can create a great weekend.”

Weather permitting the eTROPHY final will take place 12:50pm, before the main ABB FIA Formula E race at 3.05pm.

In the ancient surroundings of Ad Diriyah, the Formula E drivers from five continents will take on the 21 twists and turns of the 2.495km track, which starts and finishes in the heart of the old town, Saudi Arabia’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site..