Formula E Season 12 Kicks Off with Jeddah Double-Header Night Races
The excitement is building as Formula E Season 12 prepares for its inaugural double-header, set to unfold under the lights in Jeddah. This event marks the first night race of the year, promising thrilling action as drivers navigate the challenging Jeddah Corniche Circuit in the advanced GEN3 Evo cars.
Jeddah E-Prix: A Packed Three-Day Schedule
The action commences on Thursday, February 12, with Free Practice 1 (FP1) at 8 PM local time (10:30 PM IST), where drivers will get their first taste of the track under night conditions. Friday, February 13, is a particularly busy day, featuring:
- FP2: Starting at 1:30 PM local time (4 PM IST).
- Round 4 Qualifying: At 3:40 PM local time (6:10 PM IST).
- Round 4 Final: At 8:05 PM local time (10:35 PM IST).
The double-header continues on Saturday, February 14, mirroring Friday's schedule with FP3 at 1:30 PM local time (4 PM IST), followed by Round 5 Qualifying at 3:40 PM local time (6:10 PM IST), and the Round 5 Final at 8:05 PM local time (10:35 PM IST).
Weather Forecast: Hot and Humid Conditions Await
According to AccuWeather.com, Jeddah is experiencing hot and humid weather, with daytime temperatures around 31 degrees Celsius. The night races offer a reprieve, as temperatures are expected to drop below 25 degrees Celsius during evening sessions like FP1 on Thursday. While partially cloudy skies are forecast, no rain is anticipated over the weekend.
Drivers will face warmer conditions during afternoon practices, such as FP2 on Friday and FP3 on Saturday, where temperatures may reach 31 degrees Celsius. However, cloud cover could slightly mitigate the sun's intensity. For the qualifying and race sessions, which occur after sunset, temperatures will cool to 25–27 degrees Celsius, providing more comfortable racing conditions.
Where to Watch the Jeddah E-Prix Live
Fans can follow all the live action through multiple platforms:
- Online: The Formula E Race Centre, official website, and app offer real-time updates, interactive track maps, driver tracking, highlights, and detailed reports.
- Television Broadcasts: Key channels include Sony Sports Network in India, CBS Sports Network in the USA, ITV and TNT Sports in the UK, and Eurosport in Europe. Other regions have dedicated broadcasters like Shahid in Saudi Arabia and Stan Sport in Australia.
What to Expect at the Jeddah E-Prix
This year's event marks the second time Jeddah is hosting the double-header, following the move from Diriyah last season. Oliver Rowland, who secured two podiums in Jeddah last year with a second-place finish in Part 1 and a victory in Part 2, is a driver to watch. His protege, Taylor Barnard, also impressed with consecutive podiums.
Maximilian Gunther of DS Penske, who won the first race in Jeddah, aims to return to the podium. Additionally, Nick Cassidy, currently leading the Formula E Drivers' Standings, is poised to maintain his momentum and contend for top spots.
The combination of night racing, advanced electric vehicles, and competitive drivers sets the stage for an unforgettable weekend of motorsport action in Saudi Arabia.
