Everything is set for the first double-header of Formula E Season 11 as the electric championship heads to Jeddah for Rounds 3 and 4.
Formula E in Jeddah for the First Time: Pit Boost Debut and the First Double Header of the Season
After opening in Sao Paulo and continuing in Mexico City, Season 11 now moves to Saudi Arabia. For the first time, Formula E will race through the streets of Jeddah.
The championship has raced in Saudi Arabia before, competing in Diriyah. This year, it shifts to the famous Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which also hosts Formula 1.
The track will feature a new three-kilometre layout, adapted for Formula E. It includes 19 turns and four new chicanes designed specifically for electric racing.
Both races will take place at night, creating a spectacular atmosphere – made even more exciting by the debut of the pit boost.
Pit stops return to Formula E after seven years, though not for tyre changes. In Friday’s race, drivers must take a mandatory 30-second stop.
This stop will add a 10% energy boost (3.85kWh) to their battery. During the pit boost, only two people can work on the car, plus one crew member responsible for stopping and releasing it.
The pit boost adds another strategic element alongside the traditional attack mode
Jeddah E-Prix: Weekend Schedule
Jeddah will host the first rookie free practice of the year. On February 13, eleven young and returning drivers will take the Gen3Evo cars through the streets of the Saudi circuit.
A few hours later, the official drivers will hit the track for the first Free Practice session. FP2 is scheduled for February 14, followed by qualifying. As usual, Formula E will have two separate qualifying sessions for the double-header.
The first qualifying session will set the grid for Race 1, which takes place on Friday afternoon.
On February 15, drivers will return for the third and final free practice. The session will be followed by the second qualifying session, leading up to the weekend’s final race.
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UTC-5 TIME
13/02
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM: Rookie Free Practice
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM: Free Practice 1
14/02
5:00 AM – 5:40 AM: Free Practice 2
7:20 AM – 8:43 AM: Qualifying
12:05 PM – 1:00 PM: Race
15/02
5:00 AM – 5:40 AM: Free Practice 3
7:20 AM – 8:43 AM: Qualifying
12:05 PM – 1:00 PM: Race
The Championships Situation
After two rounds, Antonio Felix da Costa leads the Drivers’ Standings. The Portuguese Porsche driver has secured two podiums in the opening races of Season 11 and sits at the top with 37 points.
Second place is shared by Oliver Rowland and Mitch Evans, both on 25 points. The Brit, driving for Nissan, won the Mexico E-Prix, while Evans took victory in Sao Paulo.
Just behind them is reigning World Champion Pascal Wehrlein, who has 21 points.
In the Teams’ Championship, Porsche lead with 58 points. McLaren sit in second with 27, while Jaguar round out the top three with 25 points.
Porsche also top the Manufacturer Standings with 55 points. Nissan follow closely with 54, while Jaguar hold third place with 41.
What to Expect in Jeddah
With a brand-new circuit layout, the Jeddah E-Prix promises thrilling wheel-to-wheel action under the lights. The tight chicanes and technical corners will challenge drivers, making energy management and race strategy even more crucial.
All eyes will be on Porsche, as they aim to extend their lead in all three championships. However, with close competition from Nissan and Jaguar, nothing is guaranteed.
The addition of the pit boost could also shake up the race order, introducing a fresh layer of unpredictability.
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Main Photo
Credit: Formula E
