Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend

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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Motorsport fans heading to the Saudi Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 April 2025
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Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend

  • Fifth edition brings the world’s elite drivers to Saudi Arabia’s second city
  • International artists including Usher, Major Lazer Soundsystem and Jennifer Lopez to perform

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become one of the most popular races on the Formula One calendar. This year, in its fifth edition, the race is expected to be packed with enthusiastic fans and great racing action.

F1 enthusiasts are all set for the fifth round of the championship and the final leg of F1’s first triple-header.

Fans heading to the Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit — known as the fastest street circuit on the F1 calendar.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Co., said: “This year marks a significant milestone: our fifth consecutive F1 race at the record-breaking Jeddah Corniche Circuit, spectacularly set along the stunning Red Sea coastline.

“We are thrilled to return to our traditional Sunday race following the unique Saturday night spectacle of 2024.”

He continued: “We extend our profound gratitude to the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince and prime minister … for their visionary leadership.

“Their continued support fuels our efforts to position the Kingdom as a global hub for sport and innovation.

“Our sincere thanks also go to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, whose steadfast dedication drives the success of Vision 2030.”

The race is expected to be a tough one as the McLaren driver Oscar Piastri heads to Jeddah after his emphatic win in Bahrain.

The Australian now trails championship leader Lando Norris by just three points, while Max Verstappen and Georg Russel remain behind them.

With the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scheduled to be held April 18-20, millions of motorsport enthusiasts will be turning their attention to Jeddah as teams and drivers prepare for a new race on the fastest track.

Fans will be flocking to the corniche for everything from the high-speed thrills of the race itself to a wide range of side activities. One of the most anticipated events is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Fan Experience, a free daytime attraction that has already sold out for Friday and Saturday.

Beyond the on-track action, attendees will enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with live music and entertainment, as well as opportunities to see F1 superstars up close.

Fans can enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances from global superstars, including Usher, Major Lazer Soundsystem, and Jennifer Lopez.

To make the race a success, the Saudi Ministry of Education has announced a school holiday April 20-21 for students and education staff in Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif to support the race.

Since its inaugural edition in 2021, the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has established itself as a highly anticipated annual event, attracting large audiences and a significant media presence from around the world.


Turki Alalshikh announces record nine-darter prize for Saudi Arabia Darts Masters

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Turki Alalshikh announces record nine-darter prize for Saudi Arabia Darts Masters

RIYADH: Turki Alalshikh on Thursday announced the biggest prize in darts history for a nine-darter, with players at next week’s Saudi Arabia Darts Masters able to win up to $200,000 for a perfect leg.

The tournament, part of Riyadh Season, will be held on January 19 and 20 at the Global Theater in Boulevard City and will feature 16 players, with eight Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) stars taking on eight of Asia’s leading players.

Any player who hits a nine-darter during the event will receive a $100,000 bonus, with the chance to double it through the Riyadh Season Bullseye challenge.

After landing the perfect leg, the player will be given one dart at the bullseye to try to secure the full $200,000 — the largest nine-darter prize ever offered in a PDC-sanctioned event.

Reigning world champion Luke Littler headlines the line-up after previously hitting a nine-darter on the World Series stage in Bahrain in 2024.

He will be joined by 2023/24 world champion Luke Humphries, world championship runner-up Gian van Veen and three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen.

The PDC contingent also includes former world champion Gerwyn Price, world No. 7 Stephen Bunting, former UK Open winner Danny Noppert and 2023 World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall.

Asia will be represented by Singapore veteran Paul Lim — who famously threw a nine-darter at the 1990 world championship — alongside Filipinos Alexis Toylo, Lourence Ilagan and Paolo Nebrida, Japan’s Motomu Sakai, Ryusei Azemoto and Tomoya Goto, and Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung.