There have been 7 races around this Diriyah circuit, however with a brand-new generation totally tossing the formbook out in the preliminary, we could see the increase of a brand-new star, or will experienced hands dominate under the spotlights?
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Power shift in Diriyah, or will it be something familiar?
Something that is particular is that the dominant powertrain around Diriyah is no longer in the series, Mercedes-EQ was the benchmark around this circuit after protecting all the poles, wins and led every lap in each leg of the Diriyah races in 2022.
The race-winning teams behind those success are still present, simply in a various colour combination with the papaya of NEOM McLaren and the navy blue of Maserati MSG Racing.
In the last 2 seasons, the team that’s now because renowned shade of orange have actually taken the win in the double-header opener in addition to 3 of the last 4 Julius Baer Pole Positions.
Novice Jake Hughes had his very first taste of Formula E racing, instantly getting his elbows out in the opening round with a remarkable go to fifth-place surface in Mexico City.
On the other side of the garage, Rene Rast will be aiming to out-perform his novice team-mate, after Hughes surpassed his knowledgeable colleague in the opening round.
The German does have some form in Diriyah currently, his finest surface was a 4th back in 2021 after certifying in 3rd on the grid, his finest beginning position in Solution E. Will the McLaren set continue their group’s customs in Saudi Arabia?
Race winners
“When it rains it puts”- that was the radio message from Sam Bird back to the Jaguar TCS Racing garage in Mexico as he cruelly came to a stop with a damaged driveshaft.
It hasn’t appeared cruising for the popular Brit for a long time now, his season began much how in 2015 ended. After breaking his wrist in London and missing out on the last races in Seoul, his unfortunate streak continued as technical concerns spoiled his time in Mexico City.
Diriyah might be the ideal kickstart to much better fortunes, as this track has actually mored than happy hunting ground for Bird.
He has 2 wins under his belt around here, having actually won with Envision Racing back in Season 6 and making a triumphant start to his relationship with Jaguar in Season 7, in 2015 he got a finest of 4th and protected the fastest lap in the race.
Another whose season didn’t rather leave to a good start was Maserati MSG Racing’s Edoardo Mortara.
The Swiss-French-Italian was not able to move his screening form into the preliminary in Mexico City, however he did see some positives in his race rate – up until an unfortunate end to his race, crashing out on his own and leaving his Maserati down a dead-end street (thanks to number 1 Swifty, Jack Nicholls, for that a person).
Mortara is the most current winner in Diriyah, having actually won the 2nd leg last season. Beginning with 2nd on the grid after directly losing out on pole by 0.005s, it didn’t matter for much as he would take the chequered flag initially.
It made for his 2nd podium in Diriyah – the first coming in Season 7, which also included an incredible pass demonstrating some cat-like reflexes. It’s been a favourite replay for some time now, enjoy again below.
Potential performers
Reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne has a successful but albeit unfortunate record in Diriyah with the most podium finishes around here with three but no win. The Belgian was leading the opening race here last year but dropped back behind former teammate de Vries after missing out on his ATTACK MODE activation and costing him the victory.
Having jumped across to DS PENSKE for Season 9, Vandoorne was another driver unable to carry over his one-lap pace from testing, starting the race down in 17th. He did, however, also showcase that there is some race pace in the car, making his way up to the final points paying position of 10th – continuing a huge 14-race point scoring streak.
Moving to the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team this season, Antonio Felix da Costa finished in seventh last time out for a positive, points-scoring debut with the German outfit.
The former champion has prior success in Diriyah, having won the first-ever race in Saudi Arabia when he dominated from pole in the BMW i Andretti machine and then scored a third place in Season 7. The Portguese star could be on for a leading role as he arrives at a circuit he enjoys, and after looking comfortable in his new Porsche last time out.
Mexico momentum
Jake Dennis stunned the grid with his dominance in Mexico City, creating a pattern for Avalanche Andretti with opening a new generation with a victory, and in commanding style romping across the line with a huge seven 2nd lead.
With Porsche-power under his feet, he continued the German marque’s success around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Now it’s on to Round 2, and the Brit has podium prowess here after a third-place finish in the opening race in Diriyah last season after qualifying in second.
This could arguably be one of Andretti’s strongest tracks on the calendar, with two wins and 3 poles from Solution E’s time at the Diriyah Street Circuit. The driver behind one of those poles and victories: Antonio Felix da Costa, he might be a strong option for the CORE Diriyah E-Prix double-header.
Diriyah presents 2 opportunities for the drivers and yourselves to carry out, download the Formula E app and get logging those forecasts now.
