Driving force behind Saudi motorsport lauds partnership with Formula E ahead of Jeddah E-Prix 2026

Chairman of SAMF and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal addresses the press ahead of the Jeddah E-Prix. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 February 2026
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Driving force behind Saudi motorsport lauds partnership with Formula E ahead of Jeddah E-Prix 2026

  • Prince Khalid bin Sultan: We are proud to continue our partnership with Formula E, which represents a model for the future of sports based on innovation and sustainability
  • Alberto Longo: We are delighted to be in the Kingdom, and we view Saudi Arabia as a long-term strategic partner in building the future of electric motorsport globally

JEDDAH: The driving force behind Saudi motorsport, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, has lauded its partnership with Formula E ahead of the Jeddah E-Prix.

“For Saudi Arabia to host such prestigious international motor races is a great honor. We are proud of that, as part of our drive to achieve the aims of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030,” said Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC).

The announcement was made at a major press conference that took place at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Thursday in the presence of Alberto Longo, the Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer of Formula E and Carlo Boutagy, the Founder and CEO of CBX.

Speaking ahead of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, taking place at the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit on 13 and 14 February 2026, Prince Khalid told press: “Since hosting its first international race in 2018, motorsports in the Kingdom has witnessed a qualitative leap in terms of organization, audience attendance, and global standing, and today the Kingdom has become a major stop on the calendar of the most important international championships.”

He added: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Formula E, which represents a model for the future of sports based on innovation and sustainability, and is fully aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

For his part, Alberto Longo, the Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, stated that Saudi Arabia was among the first partners to believe in the vision of Formula E, he said: “We are proud that our first major international station in the region is part of the transformation path led by Vision 2030.”

He added: “We are delighted to be in the Kingdom, and we view Saudi Arabia as a long-term strategic partner in building the future of electric motorsport globally.”

Carlo Boutagy, the Founder and CEO of CBX spoke to the press about the event and what the Formula E enthusiasts expect this year, he said: “The Jeddah E-Prix achieved great popular and organizational success in the last edition, with tickets selling out before the race date, which reflects the rapid growth of motorsports in the Kingdom.”

“Today we are not just talking about a race, but about a complete experience that includes competition, entertainment, audience interaction, and presenting a modern model for the sports events industry in the Kingdom,” he added.

He pointed out that beyond racing, the event offers a full entertainment experience, including concerts, interactive fan zones, and global sponsor activities designed to engage attendees of all ages.


Newcastle complete cruise into Champions League last 16

Updated 25 February 2026
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Newcastle complete cruise into Champions League last 16

  • The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham

NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom: Newcastle United completed their stroll into the Champions League last 16 with a 3-2 win over Qarabag on Tuesday to progress 9-3 on aggregate over the Azeri champions.
The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
A tie that involved an over 5,000-mile (8,000 kilometer) round trip for both sides was killed off inside 45 minutes last week as Newcastle led 5-0 at half-time on their way to a 6-1 rout.
That allowed Eddie Howe to heavily rotate his side, with four-goal hero from the first leg Anthony Gordon among those left on the bench.
Newcastle still made another fast start to add to their lead twice inside six minutes.
Sandro Tonali fired in the rebound after Dan Burn’s shot was saved before Joelinton stroked in Harvey Barnes’ cross.
Qarabag had taken the scalps of Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt in the league phase to make the play-off round and at least salvaged some pride with two goals in the second half.
Camilo Duran outpaced Burn to pull a goal back before the Newcastle defender was penalized for handball inside the box.The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
Aaron Ramsdale saved Marko Jankovic’s penalty but Elvin Jafarguliyev netted the rebound.
In between the visitors’ two goals, Sven Botman powered in a header from a corner.
That took the tally of goals conceded by Qarabag in the Champions League to 30 — a single season record in the competition.