Fancy going on a ride, Riyadh? Get your seatbelts on and let’s begin with top racer, Sam Bird. In 2018, Riyadh hosted a Formula E race for the very first time. Since then there have been two more action-packed adventures in 2019 and 2021.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is returning to the historic desert grounds at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diriyah on January 28-29. The race takes place at the Riyadh Street Circuit with the track being 2.495 km in length and featuring 21 turns.
Sam Bird is a British professional racer that has won a race at the Diriyah E-Prix twice in the years 2019 (Race 1) and 2021(Race 2). He is the first-ever Formula E driver to win a race in every Formula E season, pre-chase down. We chatted to Sam Bird about the upcoming event.
How does racing in Saudi Arabia differ from anywhere else in the world?
Before I came here I thought it would be different. I didn’t know what to expect from Saudi Arabia, however, in my opinion, it’s been great. The circuit that we race on, it’s an entertaining circuit to drive, it’s a good spectacle for people at the side of the track and also the people at home. It provides plenty of overtaking. We’re always blessed with great accommodation, the people are very helpful and friendly. So, I’ve only ever had positive experiences with my time here in Saudi.
Is the track in Diriyah challenging?
Yeah, it boasts one of the most challenging sectors of circuits that we go on. From turn six to turn 15, you’re never in a straight line. You’re constantly turning, and it’s all quite high speed for Formula E cars. It’s a section of the track that all our first drivers really enjoy. I certainly enjoy driving it and pushing the car to the boundaries.
You are the first-ever driver to win a race in every season of the Formula E Championship. How does that feel?
The one and only, I can’t believe it’s been seven years now. It’s now seven years since the start of Formula E, and we’re just about to enter our eighth season – what a journey it has been. I feel blessed and privileged to have been involved in the series and watch it grow. To be the only driver that can continue that record is amazing. I’ve got to try and win it, otherwise, this winning record is not meaningless but it does not mean the same as if I win the championship.
What’s your advice to drivers that are looking to enter Formula E one day?
I’ve actually spent this morning with a load of young kids carting at a local indoor carting track, and that’s exactly how I started. I then progressed to outdoors, went to national championships, international championships, and then world championships. After that, I got into single-seater cars, and again you work your way up through the ranks. We haven’t seen any Saudi national drivers compete in Formula 1 yet, but I believe that the right person at the right time, there’s no reason why in the future.
Do you think that Saudi Arabia has the infrastructure for motorsport?
Well, Saudi Arabia now boasts a top-level Formula 1 race circuit, it boasts one of if not the best in my opinion Formula E circuits. Sure, Saudi Arabia is new to motorsport as it is new to all sports, but Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly. Saudi Arabia has hosted world championship boxing events, world championship level golf events, Formula 1 and Formula E, Saudi is growing quick.
It’s a matter of time before there’s a good infrastructure there that creates athletes that are capable of competing at an international level. A younger generation will be growing up with all these events happening in their country now. So, it might not be next year, but it will happen.
How are you feeling about the race in Diriyah?
Very excited, it’s somewhere I enjoy coming to. I enjoy the challenge of the circuit, and I feel I’m more prepared this year than I was the year before.
You’ve made history in Riyadh as a racing pioneer. How does that feel?
Yeah, I mean definitely we were the first electric motor event here in Saudi, also one of the first main motorsport events to come here. This year I’d ideally like to make it three or four, that would be great. It’s watching the fanbase get bigger and there’s a bigger understanding of what Formula E is here in Saudi is great.
It seems like Formula E is taking place in conjunction with Saudi breaking barriers. Saudi and Formula E hosted the first combined concert where males and females were able to mix, that was a big barrier broken down. Now, females are allowed to drive here in Saudi, so all of these things have combined with Formula E to create a bit of a catalyst for change.
January 28-29. diriyah-eprix.com/en
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