Carlos Sainz’s team claim long-awaited victory at Desert X Prix Round 2 in NEOM

ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team on the way to victory in NEOM. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 March 2023
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Carlos Sainz’s team claim long-awaited victory at Desert X Prix Round 2 in NEOM

  • Top three teams from Round 1 on Saturday claimed podium positions in second race

NEOM: ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team secured a historic first win in Extreme E with a dominant run in the Grand Final, finishing ahead of Round 1 winners Veloce Racing in second and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in third on the sands of NEOM.

Laia Sanz and Mattias Ekstrom, supported on-site by team owner Carlos Sainz Snr., dominated the race from start to finish, establishing a comfortable lead as Veloce Racing and RXR fought over the runners-up spot.

In fourth place were ABT CUPRA XE, having recovered well from a crash in Round 1’s Redemption Race to make it to the Grand Final second time around.

No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing finished fifth, marking two Grand Finals out of two for the team’s new driver-pairing of RJ Anderson and Extreme E newcomer Amanda Sorensen.

Winners of the Redemption Race were X44 Vida Carbon Racing. Having tied fifth in Qualifying with eventual Round 2 winners, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, Fraser McConnell and Cristina Gutierrez lost out on a spot in the Grand Final due to a slower time in the Continental Traction Challenge.

X44 Vida Carbon Racing came back swinging, ending Round 2 with the quickest time in the Traction Challenge on their way to victory in the Redemption Race, securing a valuable 10 points in the championship battle.

The Desert X Prix double-header delivered two maiden victories over the weekend, with wins for Veloce Racing and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. What’s more, with the Round 2 podium featuring the same top three teams from Round 1, they will be the ones to watch as the series heads into the next X Prix weekend in Scotland on May 13-14.

Laia Sanz said: “I am very happy, both for myself and the team. We clinched our maiden win in Extreme E. I want to thank Mattias for giving me the car with such a good advantage over the rest of the field. I did a good stint and was able to keep the distance, so I am more than satisfied.

“This victory is for all the people on the team because they truly deserve it for all the work we have done to be in this position, especially for Carlos Sainz,” she added. 

“It was an honor that he called me to ask if I wanted to race with him in Extreme E and I am trying to pay back his trust with all my motivation and my willingness to improve even further. 

“I learned so much with him as my teammate and it is fantastic that he is with us here, helping us and giving advice. Today we can feel proud, but we must keep up the good work.”

Team-mate Ekstrom said: “We had designed a strategy for the Grand Final and I executed it as well as I could. I am really happy that it turned out to be fruitful. It is always easier to race in front and have a clear view in front than being behind another car and having to deal with all the dust. I really enjoyed every corner. Laia drove very well and managed the gap perfectly. It is a good victory for the team.”

The five teams that didn’t qualify for the final fought it out in the Redemption Race in pursuit of sixth to tenth place championship points.

Results:

Grand Final:

ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team 11:10.821

Veloce Racing +5.527

Rosberg X Racing +7.429

ABT CUPRA XE +7.987

No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +22.321

Redemption Race:

X44 Vida Carbon Racing 11:10.132

NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +10.150

Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +33.296

Carl Cox Motorsport +2:43.534 (Penalised)

JBXE DNF

Championship Standings:

Veloce Racing: 46 points

ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 46 points

Rosberg X Racing: 31 points

X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 23 points

No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 21 points

ABT CUPRA XE: 15 points

NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 14 points

Carl Cox Motorsport: 8 points

JBXE: 5 points

Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 5 points


Saudi Arabia’s 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced

Updated 11 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced

  • FIA president highlights technological milestones, new talent emerging on global stage

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia will again host several major world motorsport championships it has been confirmed, with 2026 dates announced by international governing body, the FIA.

The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend will take place on Jeddah’s street circuit from April 17-19, with the 24 cars running on 100 percent sustainable fuel.

The news was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau yesterday, chaired by the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Three other F1 world championship rounds will also be held in the Middle East — in Bahrain from April 10-12, Qatar from Nov. 27-29, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi from Dec. 4-6.

The Kingdom will also once more stage back-to-back races in Jeddah as part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar, from Feb. 13-14, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will be held in the Middle East to coincide with the F1 races on 13-14 February, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will form part of the F1 weekends in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The Dakar Rally again kicks off the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, from Jan. 3-17, while the Rally du Maroc takes place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from Nov. 22-27. Bahrain will represent the Middle East as part of the 10-round F3 calendar.

Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: “2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week.

“This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race shows the passion and dedication of our community.”

The World Council also approved one of the final pieces of a compelling puzzle that will mark the start of a new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027.

The rules have been undergoing final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of the regulations.

To this end, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but manufacturers and constructors have freedom within it to scale and integrate wide-ranging designs. 

This means cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, crossovers and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the 10-year regulation cycle through to 2037.


Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem

Updated 09 June 2025
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Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem

  • FIA president’s visit highlights mobility innovation and motorsport growth

DUBAI:  An official visit to Japan by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reaffirmed the ties between the organization and one of the world’s most influential nations in motorsport and mobility.

Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit highlighted the country’s investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events.

As motorsport’s international governing body and federation for mobility organizations, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety and sustainability.

During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency Koji Murofushi, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiromasa Nakano.

“This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan, a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development,” said Ben Sulayem.

“It was a personal honor to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector.”

Discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility.

 “From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society,” added Ben Sulayem.

“The JAF’s dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.”

JAF President Masayoshi Sakaguchi said: “We were honored to welcome FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on this significant visit. As proud members of the FIA, we are part of a truly global community united by a shared commitment to advancing mobility and motorsport.

“Our collaboration is essential to driving innovation, safety and sustainability in these fields. I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger and deliver lasting impact worldwide.”

Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolizing the close relationship between Japan’s automotive leaders and the FIA’s global mission.

The visit comes at a time of growth and renewed momentum for Japan’s motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers — a 20 percent increase over the past five years — while the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in April recorded its highest attendance since 2006.

Ben Sulayem is now in Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference. The event starts on Tuesday and will welcome more than 500 senior FIA mobility and motorsport delegates from 149 countries.


MENA clubs back Ben Sulayem for second term as FIA president

Updated 02 June 2025
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MENA clubs back Ben Sulayem for second term as FIA president

  • Regional officials say he has shown ‘integrity, innovation, and courage’ in driving positive change on the world stage

DUBAI: National motor sport and mobility authorities from across the Middle East and North Africa region have delivered another major vote of confidence in Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s leadership of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile and urged him to seek re-election as president.

The 29 FIA member clubs have written to Ben Sulayem saying that his tenure “has brought vital reforms across mobility and motorsport, marked by enhanced transparency, governance, sustainability, and inclusivity.”

Backing him for a second term in office, they expressed confidence that this will “further strengthen and modernize the organization for the benefit of all its members and stakeholders.”

In a letter of support to Ben Sulayem, the clubs said: “Your vision has helped bridge gaps, inspire unity, and empower regions like ours to contribute more meaningfully to the global FIA mission.

“We now feel equal as members of the FIA regardless of our size or location. We are proud to stand behind a leader from our region who has shown integrity, innovation, and courage in driving positive change on the world stage.”

Among the senior regional officials to sign the letter were MENA FIA Vice President for Mobility Essa Hamza Al-Failakawi from Kuwait, MENA FIA Vice President for Sport Abdulla bin Issa Al-Khalifa from Bahrain, and President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdulla Al-Faisal.

The clubs told Ben Sulayem: “The modernization of our institution and the strong emphasis you have placed on member engagement and regional development have greatly benefited our clubs and the communities we serve.”

Ben Sulayem responded, saying: “I am deeply grateful for the trust and encouragement shown by the 29 sport and mobility member clubs from across the MENA region.

“This support holds special meaning for me, given my close connection to the region. I’ve seen firsthand the exceptional talent, commitment, and ambition that define the MENA community, and it is a true honor to have this backing. 

“The work being done by clubs in both sport and mobility across the region reflects the core values of the FIA — from grassroots initiatives like the MENA Karting Cup to ongoing efforts in road safety and sustainable mobility.

“Together, we will continue to shape a stronger, more dynamic FIA — one that truly represents the strength, diversity, and potential of every region we serve.”

The overwhelming support for Ben Sulayem from his home region quickly follows another powerful endorsement of his achievements as president, delivered in a letter of support from 36 FIA member clubs across the Americas.


Oscar Piastri wins in Spain with McLaren one-two, Verstappen demoted

Updated 01 June 2025
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Oscar Piastri wins in Spain with McLaren one-two, Verstappen demoted

  • Piastri extends lead to 10 points with fifth win of season with Norris second, Leclerc third
  • Verstappen demoted from fifth to 10th after Red Bull driver clashed with Leclerc and Russell

BARCELONA: Formula One championship leader Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix from pole position in a McLaren one-two on Sunday to forge 10 points clear of teammate Lando Norris in the title battle.

The Australian’s win, by 2.4 seconds, was his fifth in nine races this season and McLaren’s seventh.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the podium after passing Max Verstappen’s Red Bull six laps from the end following a safety car period that triggered the main talking point of the afternoon with the champion demoted from fifth to 10th.

“It’s a nice way to bounce back from Monaco. A superb weekend,” said Piastri, who finished third last weekend in a race won from pole by Norris.

Verstappen, who made four stops in total and ended up on the slower hard tires against rivals on softs, collided with Leclerc and twice with Mercedes’ George Russell after the safety car restart.

The angry Dutch driver was given a 10-second penalty added to his overall time for the second Russell collision that was clearly his fault.

He and Leclerc also faced a post-race investigation for their clash that could lead to further sanctions.

“I tried to push him to the left, there was a bit of contact but fortunately no consequences,” said Leclerc. Verstappen claimed the Monegasque had rammed into him and should have given back the place.

Russell finished fourth after eventually being let through by Verstappen, who reluctantly did as his team told him.

Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg finished a surprising and morale-boosting fifth for the future Audi team after passing Ferrari’s seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton on the penultimate lap.

Hamilton was a disappointing sixth, Isack Hadjar seventh for Racing Bulls and Pierre Gasly eighth for Renault-owned Alpine.

FIRST POINTS

Home hero Fernando Alonso scored his first points of the season with Aston Martin, who had only one car on the grid due to Lance Stroll’s withdrawal through injury after Saturday’s qualifying.

Piastri led away cleanly at the start with Verstappen seizing second from Norris while Hamilton and Leclerc moved up to fourth and fifth as Russell lost out.

Hamilton let Leclerc through on lap 10 of 66 after the two Ferraris had run nose to tail.

Norris took back second place from Verstappen on lap 13, the Dutch driver making no attempt to defend against the quicker McLaren and pitting in the next lap for fresh tires.

Verstappen took the lead again on lap 23 after Piastri pitted, with Norris making his first stop on lap 21 and coming out behind the Red Bull, but that lasted only until Verstappen pitted for a second time on lap 30.

He came in for a third stop on lap 47 but Norris pitted the lap after to defend second place.

A safety car deployment on lap 55, after Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli beached his Mercedes in the gravel, bunched up the field and triggered a rash of stops.

The McLarens came in together for fresh tires, double-stacking, and resumed ahead of Verstappen who questioned the switch to a set of hards but was told that was the only option available.


Oscar Piastri outpaces team-mate Lando Norris to grab Spanish Grand Prix pole

Updated 31 May 2025
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Oscar Piastri outpaces team-mate Lando Norris to grab Spanish Grand Prix pole

  • Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell

BARCELONA: Oscar Piastri outpaced title rival and McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in the final minute of a gripping qualifying session on Saturday to clinch pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.
The championship leader clocked a near flawless final lap of one minute and 11.546 seconds to beat Norris by 0.209 seconds as McLaren claimed a dominant one-two having also topped all three practice sessions.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari and Kimi Antonelli in the second Mercedes.
Charles Leclerc was seventh in the second Ferrari ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Racing Bulls’ impressive rookie Isack Hadjar and local hero two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.
It was Piastri’s fourth pole of the season and career as he seeks to extend his three-point lead ahead of Norris in the drivers’ championship.
“Nice work, very nicely done, everyone,” said the cool 24-year-old Australian on team radio. “That’s quite some turnaround from last year. Well done everyone. Let’s have some fun tomorrow!“
He added: “I’m very glad to be on pole here and now I just need a good start. It’s a long run to the first corner!“
Norris said: “Oscar has driven really well and he deserved it. But it is a great result for the team.”
Piastri’s two-second advantage is the biggest this season between pole and second place.
After an early fast lap from Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in Q1, the big guns arrived in torrid heat with a track temperature of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), and the air at 29, punishing conditions for tires on a high-degradation track.
The session was briefly stalled when Alpine’s Franco Colapinto stopped in the pitlane and, after a delay, forced others to undertake him leading to a frantic final two minutes.
Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull was eliminated in 20th and last place along with Colapinto, Williams’ Carlos Sainz — his worst qualifying result at his home event — in 18th, Esteban Ocon of Haas and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.
For Tsunoda, it was a major setback as he sought to solve Red Bull’s dilemma in searching for a partner to push Verstappen.
At the front, Piastri topped Verstappen and Norris.
In Q2, McLaren’s duo led the first runs ahead of Verstappen, Russell and a revived Hamilton before choosing not to take a second go as Hadjar shone, taking sixth and splitting the Ferraris.
Out went Alex Albon of Williams, Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson, Stroll and Oliver Bearman in his Haas.
The top 10 shootout began with Piastri lapping in 1:11.836 before Norris overhauled him by 0.017sec for provisional pole on the opening charge.
Russell was third ahead of Leclerc, Verstappen and Hamilton before a late Alonso lap lifted him to fifth amid roaring appreciation.
Cloud cover affected conditions for the second runs as both McLaren men fought for pole with the Australian prevailing.
It was McLaren’s first front row lockout in Spain since 1998.