JEDDAH: Jeddah is gearing up to host the first event of Season 4 in the all-electric off-roading series Extreme E, with two rounds to be held on Feb. 17-18.
The 2024 Desert X Prix will take place in Saudi Arabia for the fourth year in a row, but this year’s event will be the first in the new location near Jeddah.
Extreme E fans will this season be treated to a five-event, 10-race global adventure featuring 16 drivers from eight teams.
The teams involved are reigning champions Rosberg X Racing, debutants Legacy Motor Club, NEOM McLaren Extreme E, JBXE, Acciona-Sainz XE Team, Andretti Al-Tawkilat Extreme E, Sun Minimeal Team and Veloce Racing.
After her recent performance in the Hail Toyota International Rally, Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel will make her debut in the Extreme E race after joining Jenson Button’s JBXE team.
Extreme E races aim to highlight the impact of climate change and human interventions on nature in remote locations and look to encourage the use of electric vehicles to support conservation efforts.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Co., welcomed the return of Extreme E to the Kingdom.
Prince Khalid said that starting the season in Saudi Arabia for the fourth time reflects the series’ long-term commitment to supporting conservation initiatives and the Kingdom’s goal to create a more sustainable future in line with the targets of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Meanwhile, Extreme E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag said: “We are delighted to unveil the schedule for the fourth season of Extreme E, aiming to build on the success achieved in the past three years and promising our audience a strong season this year.
“We are excited to come back to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the opening rounds of the new season,” he added. “The Kingdom has always been a magnificent backdrop for us throughout the years, and we expect the same great experience when we return in February to a fantastic new location near Jeddah.”
