The World's Fastest Accelerating Single-seater Meets the World's Fastest Street Circuit - Formula E Returns to Jeddah for Season 12
Following Season 11's hugely successful debut in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah E-Prix will return with yet another set of races in Season 12 as Formula E and the FIA announced the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship's first provisional calendar for the 2025-26 season. Following validation from the FIA's World Motorsport Council Meeting, the championship will have its most expansive season yet with 18 races across 12 global cities, including new races in Madrid and Miami's International Autodrome for the first time, and a nighttime double-header under the lights in Jeddah.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea coastline, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for its high-speed corners and dramatic setting, promises fresh challenges and unforgettable racing on February 13-14, 2025, following an incredible debut at the circuit earlier this year.
After six successful seasons in Diriyah, Formula E moved the E-Prix to Jeddah for the 2024-25 season. The successful double-header event also marked the debut of the innovative 'PIT BOOST' mandatory pit stops that delivered a strategic energy boost, adding a new layer of excitement to the all-electric competition.
The series' record-breaking 12th season begins on 6 December 2025 on the vibrant streets of São Paulo, before the championship returns to Mexico City in January. Formula E then makes its first race appearance at the Miami International Autodrome on 31 January - taking high-speed electric street racing closer to the heart of one of America's most passionate sports hubs on the East Coast of the USA. Securing a race at the venue for the first time follows the successful delivery of its EVO Sessions event in March 2025.
February sees the nighttime double-header under the lights in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, while Madrid debuts on the calendar in March at the historic Circuito de Madrid Jarama-RACE - the first time Formula E has raced in the Spanish capital - and the first World Championship motorsport event held in the city in 37 years, since 1989.
Returning venues include Berlin, Tokyo, and Shanghai, each hosting double-header race weekends, while Monaco continues its role as the jewel in the crown of motorsport, hosting back-to-back races on the iconic street circuit, only the second time it has hosted World Championship races on consecutive days after it debuted earlier in May this year.
The season concludes once more in London, with a climactic double-header at the Excel on 15-16 August 2026 that will round out the end of the GEN3 Evo era.
Two further locations to complete the calendar are awaiting public confirmation, as final-stage negotiations are ongoing with local authorities ahead of forthcoming World Motor Sport Council Meetings later in the year, when the final calendar will be revealed and ratified.
Sustainability has been central to the planning and delivery of the calendar with dedicated clusters of events grouped by continent across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific to reduce freight transport and CO2 emissions, and maximise efficiencies across regions.
Nacho Calcedo, Host Cities Event Director, Formula E, said: "We're pleased to be returning to Jeddah after a highly successful first year. Set against the breathtaking Red Sea coastline, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is not only the world's fastest street circuit but also a symbol of the Kingdom's growing influence in global sports. With strong support from multiple partners, Formula E is proud to be part of the country's dynamic sporting landscape—one that continues to open doors for international events and inspires the future of electric racing.'
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Al Bawaba
5 days ago
- Al Bawaba
The World's Fastest Accelerating Single-seater Meets the World's Fastest Street Circuit - Formula E Returns to Jeddah for Season 12
Following Season 11's hugely successful debut in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah E-Prix will return with yet another set of races in Season 12 as Formula E and the FIA announced the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship's first provisional calendar for the 2025-26 season. Following validation from the FIA's World Motorsport Council Meeting, the championship will have its most expansive season yet with 18 races across 12 global cities, including new races in Madrid and Miami's International Autodrome for the first time, and a nighttime double-header under the lights in Jeddah. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea coastline, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for its high-speed corners and dramatic setting, promises fresh challenges and unforgettable racing on February 13-14, 2025, following an incredible debut at the circuit earlier this year. After six successful seasons in Diriyah, Formula E moved the E-Prix to Jeddah for the 2024-25 season. The successful double-header event also marked the debut of the innovative 'PIT BOOST' mandatory pit stops that delivered a strategic energy boost, adding a new layer of excitement to the all-electric competition. The series' record-breaking 12th season begins on 6 December 2025 on the vibrant streets of São Paulo, before the championship returns to Mexico City in January. Formula E then makes its first race appearance at the Miami International Autodrome on 31 January - taking high-speed electric street racing closer to the heart of one of America's most passionate sports hubs on the East Coast of the USA. Securing a race at the venue for the first time follows the successful delivery of its EVO Sessions event in March 2025. February sees the nighttime double-header under the lights in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, while Madrid debuts on the calendar in March at the historic Circuito de Madrid Jarama-RACE - the first time Formula E has raced in the Spanish capital - and the first World Championship motorsport event held in the city in 37 years, since 1989. Returning venues include Berlin, Tokyo, and Shanghai, each hosting double-header race weekends, while Monaco continues its role as the jewel in the crown of motorsport, hosting back-to-back races on the iconic street circuit, only the second time it has hosted World Championship races on consecutive days after it debuted earlier in May this year. The season concludes once more in London, with a climactic double-header at the Excel on 15-16 August 2026 that will round out the end of the GEN3 Evo era. Two further locations to complete the calendar are awaiting public confirmation, as final-stage negotiations are ongoing with local authorities ahead of forthcoming World Motor Sport Council Meetings later in the year, when the final calendar will be revealed and ratified. Sustainability has been central to the planning and delivery of the calendar with dedicated clusters of events grouped by continent across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific to reduce freight transport and CO2 emissions, and maximise efficiencies across regions. Nacho Calcedo, Host Cities Event Director, Formula E, said: "We're pleased to be returning to Jeddah after a highly successful first year. Set against the breathtaking Red Sea coastline, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is not only the world's fastest street circuit but also a symbol of the Kingdom's growing influence in global sports. With strong support from multiple partners, Formula E is proud to be part of the country's dynamic sporting landscape—one that continues to open doors for international events and inspires the future of electric racing.'
Al Bawaba
13-06-2025
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Beyond the Finish Line: Ahmad Al Harthy's Journey of Pride and Passion at Le Mans
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To me, it's the greatest 24-hour race on the planet. More importantly, it's a place where I truly enjoy racing and driving around, and I'm looking forward to this third experience.'From your first Le Mans podium in 2023 to now racing in the ultra-competitive LMGT3 category with BMW, how have you evolved as a driver - technically, physically and mentally?'Absolutely. It couldn't have started any better for me. Finishing on the podium in my first-ever 24-hour race was unbelievable, and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. The race was filled with so much emotion. Coming into 2024, my first race with BMW here was going well, but unfortunately, the weather affected us. We feel we have unfinished business, which makes us even more determined and a driver, every time you compete in these events, you mature and gain a deeper understanding. I've had quite a few 24-hour race experiences, but Le Mans is always different. When you ask if I'm ready, physically, yes; mentally, it's the challenging part. Le Mans is a demanding circuit because the speeds are very high for extended periods. We are also racing alongside Hypercars and sharing the circuit with that level of speed always pushes your concentration to the limit. I believe that every year we come back, we are slightly stronger. We must take all the positives and learn from every single lap, every single turn.'Ahmad, what is the first thing you think of when you sit behind the wheel of your BMW M4 LMGT3, especially at Le Mans?'That's a tough question. The first thing is realizing how blessed I am to share the track with some truly iconic names in motorsport. I often reflect on my early days in motorsport, and it fills me with emotions. I also get excited by the speed because it presents a massive challenge. You hear sounds and see things that you don't experience at any other racetrack in the world. I have certain spiritual rituals that I perform for all race weekends, and it's the same in that is my third 24-hour race, but I have competed at the 'Road to Le Mans' in 2017 and 2019, and I was fortunate enough to stand on the podium three out of four attempts. I feel that this race has been very kind to me, and I hope to continue that streak in 2025.'Endurance racing is a team sport, what has the chemistry been like with your WRT teammates, including Valentino Rossi and Kelvin Van Der Linde, heading into this year's race?'You mentioned a very important point: teamwork. For us to win and achieve great results at any endurance weekend, it's all about teamwork. It's not just about the three drivers; it involves everything from the pit crew to the engineering and support teams. Everyone must be on the same page. The harmony we share at Team WRT is something unique compared to many other teams on the spend a lot of time together; we are like a family away from home. It's not just about seeing each other in the race car; it's what happens behind the scenes. This closeness allows us to operate at a much higher level. Endurance racing is a long journey, and while it may feel like a sprint, you don't always need the fastest drivers to achieve the best results. You need drivers who can work together. We complement each other and focus on making the car the fastest, rather than just one driver.'You've had strong backing from BMW Oman throughout your journey. How important has that local support been in helping you compete at the highest level of endurance racing?'When we first announced our move to BMW, it was an exciting partnership. BMW's support on and off the racetrack means a lot to me. I'm proud to be an ambassador for the brand, and I've been a fan since I was young. Having a manufacturer support you from your home country in the Middle East is something I take great pride over a year and a half into the BMW family, I'm starting to speak the same language. It's exciting to share my experiences with customers and M Clubs members, as well as M enthusiasts, discussing not just racing but also car performance and the emotional connection we have with the cars. I believe it's important for them to truly enjoy their cars in a controlled environment, like a racetrack.'What message would you like to share with young Arab and Omani athletes watching your journey — especially those dreaming of competing internationally?'The main message is that in motorsports, there are no shortcuts. We would love to see more Arab drivers coming through the ranks. We have some of the best circuits in the world, and it's time to develop these drivers correctly without taking shortcuts. 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Al Bawaba
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