Formula E CEO eyes further growth, success for all-electric series ahead of Diriyah E-Prix

Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E (Supplied)
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Updated 26 January 2024
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Formula E CEO eyes further growth, success for all-electric series ahead of Diriyah E-Prix

  • Jeff Dodds on popularity of Diriyah circuit, Season 10 challenges, how Formula E drivers are some of world’s best racers

Riyadh: Formula E may be only in its 10th year, but it is no longer motorsport’s new kid on the block.

Ahead of the Diriyah E-Prix double-header of night races, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds told Arab News that the all-electric series was set to grow even more in the coming years, having already amassed a global following of 350 million fans.

The action in north Riyadh represents rounds two and three of Season 10, the second in which the Gen3 car will be employed on the track. The novelty of the fastest and most efficient Formula E car yet saw a significant number of podium winners last season.

Dodds said: “I think we had eight different winners last season, which was pretty incredible. So, I wouldn’t be surprised to see as many different winners this season.

“What we saw in the first race in Mexico, is that the performances are getting closer together, the different teams are working out how to optimize the performance of the Gen3 car. I think in qualification there was a 10th of a second between the top four qualifiers.

“So tiny, tiny margins here. Clearly, we love the racing to be competitive. I expect the racing to be competitive. They’re beginning to work out the Gen3 a bit better in the second season.

“The challenge will be, from next season, we’re into Gen3.5, because we have the evolutionary change of the car. I think we’ll see much tighter racing this season, but I also think we’ll still see a number of different winners,” he added.

Similar to many of the drivers, Dodds has a soft spot for the Diriyah street circuit, which has been hosting Formula E racing since 2018.

He said: “I love it, because the investment that goes into building this racetrack and the infrastructure is second to none.

“First of all, the investment from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into putting on a spectacular, not just race, but total event with the drone displays, and the Backstreet Boys playing, and the build of the track, is just an incredible spectacle, because it’s so professional, so well invested in.

“The race itself is also unique. You’ve got this racetrack carved into the UNESCO World Heritage Site here in Diriyah. So, you get this juxtaposition of the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, this kind of beautiful legacy environment with state-of-the-art racetrack and the most cutting-edge cars racing through the middle of it. Completely unique.

“It’s a night race. Our only night racing of the season. So, it’s also unique, the drivers love it. Sam Bird, the most successful driver ever on this track in terms of point scores, you’ve got Pascal Wehrlein, who won on this track last year, absolutely desperate to get back to it. All the drivers I speak to, there’s a real affection for racing on the Diriyah track,” Dodds added.

He was also looking forward to regional drivers eventually being part of major motorsport events, with an announcement on a talented Saudi driver imminent.

“The Middle East region has been a key investor in elite motorsport now for many, many years, whether that’s Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Saudi Arabia.

“We know in sport that once different locations invest significantly in certain sports, generations grow up getting more and more involved in that sport.

“We saw it with tennis in Scandinavia, we’ve seen it with football, and I’m sure we’ll see it with motor racing as well. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more elite racing drivers come out of the Middle East region,” he said.

On comparisons with Formula 1, Dodds highlighted the giant strides Formula E had made in a comparatively much shorter period of time.

“They (Formula 1) are 75 years old. Incredible history, legacy, huge fan base, very loyal fan base, I’m one of them. I’m a big Formula 1 fan and have been for almost my entire life.

“We (Formula E) are nine years old and of those nine years, two of them were impacted by COVID-19 (the coronavirus pandemic) and lockdown. So really, we’re seven proper racing seasons old. And we are already up to just under 350 million fans around the world.

“Now to give you the comparison, I think Formula 1 has about 900 million. So, we’re over one-third the size of Formula 1, in only nine years, of which a couple were affected by lockdown.

“Last year, we saw our fan base grow by about 17 percent. And my ambition this year would be to grow even faster and continue that trajectory.

“The one thing we can’t change is how old we are, we are what we are. What we can do is showcase a brilliant product to people, take the product to different street circuits around the world, and different cities around the world. And continue to drive the PR message out there for people to come and have a look.

“But I’m very optimistic that we will continue to grow, hopefully at an even faster rate than last year. We’re on the upward trajectory,” he added.

Dodds was bullish about the quality of drivers in Formula E, and noted they were as good a collective group as in any racing format.

He said: “I’ve worked around a lot of drivers in the past, so I would argue a few things here. First, the drivers are as good as any drivers in the world, in my personal view.

“In Formula 1, you have a handful of absolutely elite motor racing drivers. But you also have a large number of drivers in Formula 1 who pay for their seat. So, they’re there perhaps not always on merit, but they’re there on commercial backing.

“In Formula E, the teams are paying for some of the best drivers in the world. A number have raced in Formula 1; Stoffel Vandoorne, Nyck de Vries, Lucas di Grassi. We have several racing drivers who came out of Formula 1, we also have a number who will potentially go on to Formula 1. A very different racing experience,” Dodds added.

He pointed out that until a few years ago, not all Formula 1 drivers were the superstars they are today thanks to the intervention of streaming giant Netflix. Formula E drivers, he said, would benefit from similar exposure.

“I did a little exercise, I went back and looked at the last Formula 1 season before (Netflix series) ‘Drive to Survive.’ And I would say probably half of the drivers were recognizable and known — half of them were pretty much unknown to everyone I asked the question of.

“What ‘Drive to Survive’ did was really put those drivers on the map as personalities in their own right. It made them household names.

“Now, we (Formula E) haven’t yet launched a big global streaming series, one of the things we’re actively looking at now. That would help to put drivers’ names on the map as personalities.

“But we should be under no illusion. They might not be household names today, but they are some of the best racing drivers in the world in any format,” Dodds added.


England opening batsman Ben Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

Updated 29 sec ago
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England opening batsman Ben Duckett fit for Champions Trophy

  • Duckett suffered a problem in his left groin during England’s 142-run loss to India on Wednesday
  • The injury placed a question mark over the 30-year-old’s availability for the Champions Trophy

LONDON: England’s prospects for the Champions Trophy received a boost on Saturday when opening batsman Ben Duckett was passed fit for the one-day international tournament.
Duckett suffered a problem in his left groin during England’s crushing 142-run loss to India in the third ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
His injury placed a question mark over the 30-year-old’s availability for the Champions Trophy, which starts in Pakistan next week and features the eight top-ranked ODI teams qualified from the 2023 50-over World Cup.
But the dashing left-hander has now been given the all clear following a scan, with an England and Wales Cricket Board statement saying: “Scans on a left groin injury have confirmed that England Men’s batter Ben Duckett is fit and available for the ICC Champions Trophy.
“Duckett sustained the injury while fielding during the first innings of England’s third ODI defeat to India in Ahmedabad last Wednesday.”
England are set to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday before they begin their Champions Trophy campaign against oldest rivals Australia in Lahore on Saturday, with all-rounder Jacob Bethell ruled out because of a hamstring injury and replaced by Tom Banton.
Since winning the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, England have struggled in white-ball cricket with Wednesday’s thumping defeat condemning them to a 3-0 series loss against India in what was Test coach Brendon McCullum’s first ODI campaign since he also took charge of the limited-overs side.


Terrific Thitikul triumphs in Riyadh with runaway victory

Updated 10 min 46 sec ago
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Terrific Thitikul triumphs in Riyadh with runaway victory

  • Thai star secures $675,000 top prize after dominant display
  • Victory follows compatriot Tavatanakit’s 2024 triumph in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Jeeno Thitikul delivered a commanding performance to claim victory at the PIF Saudi Ladies International on Saturday, securing her 17th professional title with a final-round 69 to finish at 16-under par.

The Thai sensation, who turns 22 next Thursday, followed in the footsteps of compatriot Patty Tavatanakit, who lifted the trophy at Riyadh Golf Club in 2024. Thitikul’s triumph also marked a dream start to her season.

“It’s the best present I’ve ever received in my life,” she said. “To be honest, I didn’t think I’d be able to win my first event of the year at all because after a long offseason without playing tournaments, you need to adjust a little bit on the course. But winning here is a huge advantage.”

She added: “We can take this form and carry on the good things that happened here. More than anything, I think my team will be proud because we’ve worked really hard in the offseason, always trying to get better. Having a win here means we’re moving in the right direction.”

Thitikul started the final day with a three-shot lead and wasted no time in extending her advantage, carding four birdies in her opening 10 holes. A five-shot cushion with eight to play proved unassailable, as she dropped just one shot on the back nine to seal a dominant win.

South Korea’s Somi Lee secured second place with a two-under-par 70, while England’s Annabell Fuller recovered from a tough front nine to finish one over, earning a solo third-place finish.

Fuller, 22, continued her strong form on the Ladies European Tour after a sixth-place finish last week. Her third-place showing in Riyadh earned her $270,000, a financial boost she described as transformational.

She added: “I was saying to my parents last week (that) this kind of tournament is life changing. Golf isn’t cheap, and neither is traveling, so having the opportunity to earn at this level is huge. It really helps make a career in the game more sustainable.

“It was awesome to play next to her (Thitikul) and watch her game; she’s so good. Even when she made a mistake, seeing how she recovered was incredible. Her short game is just next level, and she always managed to get out of tough spots so well. For me, it’s a huge confidence boost to have two strong weeks back to back.”

The PIF Saudi Ladies International, boasting a $5 million prize fund, matches the men’s equivalent, the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. It is the highest non-major purse on the LET, highlighting Golf Saudi and PIF’s commitment to advancing the women’s game.

Thitikul acknowledged the importance of such investment in women’s golf.

She said: “I think Golf Saudi and PIF have done so much to elevate women’s golf and grow the game. I really appreciate how they see the potential in women’s golf and continue investing in it. The women’s game really needs this kind of support to keep growing, especially for the next generation. Hopefully, more fans will watch, whether on TV or coming out here in person. Saudi has done a really good job organizing a big event and bringing in top players to compete, which is great for women’s golf.”

This year’s tournament also introduced a new two-day team format to heighten competition and increase prize-winning potential. South Korea’s Somi Lee captained her team to a two-shot victory, lifting the trophy on Friday.


Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off

Updated 36 min 3 sec ago
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Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off

  • The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe
  • Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot

PAMPLONA, Spain: La Liga leaders Real Madrid dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday in which Jude Bellingham was sent off.
The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe before the referee expelled England international Bellingham for dissent toward the end of the first half.
Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot after 58 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti’s side endured a third consecutive league match without victory.
Atletico Madrid, second and two points behind the leaders, host Celta Vigo later Saturday, while third-place Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Ancelotti said Bellingham should not have been dismissed and had just been expressing his frustration rather than directly insulting the referee.
“I think with Bellingham’s red card (the referee) didn’t understand the English well... I don’t think it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous... Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing.”
The coach said he was happy with how Madrid played despite dropping points.
“In a footballing sense we started very well, and we finished well despite having one less player,” said Ancelotti.
The Italian made a few rotations with the midweek Champions League play-off second leg clash against Manchester City in mind, with Rodrygo resting and Brahim Diaz given a rare start.
Los Blancos controlled the game from the off, moving the ball around too quickly for Osasuna to get a foothold.
Vinicius appealed for an early penalty when Alejandro Catena slid in to dispossess him and the ball struck the defender’s arm.
The Brazilian winger should have put the champions ahead when Mbappe crossed for him, but misjudged the flight of the ball and headed wide from close range.
Madrid did not have to wait long for their opener and Fede Valverde created it with a low cross for Mbappe, who produced a clinical finish.
It was the in-form French forward’s seventh goal in his last five La Liga matches.
Osasuna threatened just once in the first half, with a low drive from Aimar Oroz, which Thibaut Courtois superbly pushed to safety.
Vinicius spurned another golden opportunity when Mbappe teed him up, before Bellingham was dismissed in the 39th minute.
The England international exchanged words with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who then reached for his red card.
Madrid have complained heavily about Spanish refereeing in recent weeks, labelling it “rigged” and they grew further frustrated with Munuera Montero in the second half.
Osasuna levelled before the hour mark through Budimir from the spot after Eduardo Camavinga was late on the Croatian striker.
Budimir had already shot wide of the post when the French midfielder clattered into the forward, similar to the penalty Aurelien Tchouameni conceded in Madrid’s derby draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Budimir’s penalty was his 13th goal of the season, behind only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Mbappe, on 17, in the standings.
Mbappe came close to scoring a second but fired narrowly over and Vinicius had an effort deflected wide after a dangerous incursion from the left.
Madrid pushed for a winner despite their numerical disadvantage, knowing their title rivals are breathing down their necks.
Mbappe had one last chance in stoppage time but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera palmed away his effort with a strong hand.
After playing for nearly an hour with 10 men, Manchester City will hope it takes a toll on Madrid on Wednesday when the sides meet at the Santiago Bernabeu.


La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans

Updated 58 min 14 sec ago
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La Liga launches Arabic TikTok account to connect with millions of Arab football fans

  • ‘It represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,’ says managing director
  • Account will act as a hub for thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches

JEDDAH: Spanish football league La Liga on Saturday launched an Arabic account on TikTok in a bid to connect with millions of football fans in the Arab world.
It is part of the league’s efforts to reach and engage with its followers in the Middle East and North Africa region, a media statement said.
“We are thrilled to launch the Arabic TikTok account, as it represents the culmination of all the efforts La Liga has made in the MENA region over the past years,” said Maite Ventura, managing director for MENA.
“We believe that Arab fans deserve high-quality digital content that meets their expectations. This account will bring us closer to them than ever before,” she added.
The initiative marks another step in La Liga’s digital success, as it remains the most-followed football league in the world online, boasting more than 245 million followers across 16 platforms in 20 different languages.
Mohammed Harb, head of partnerships at TikTok MENA, said: “We are delighted to be part of this special step for La Liga.
“Launching a TikTok account in Arabic reinforces the league’s commitment to bringing fans closer to the game they love, providing the TikTok community with a platform that reflects the unique culture and passion of Arab football fans.”
The La Liga Arabic TikTok account will be a hub for all the thrilling highlights from La Liga EA Sports matches, coinciding with the intense competition in the league.
Arab football stars will also receive special attention, as La Liga has hosted more than 80 Arab players throughout its history, from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Syria.
Beyond match highlights, the account will offer a diverse range of visual content, featuring contributions from influencers, players, journalists and fans across the Arab world.


Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four

Updated 15 February 2025
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Marmoush hat-trick lifts Man City into Premier League top four

  • The Egyptian was in scintillating form as City recovered from their late Champions League collapse to lose to Real Madrid 3-2 at home in midweek
  • Marmoush’s explosion gives some cause for optimism as Newcastle were blown away inside the opening 33 minutes

MANCHESTER: Omar Marmoush scored his first Manchester City goals with a first-half hat-trick to beat Newcastle 4-0 and fire Pep Guardiola’s men back into the Premier League’s top four on Saturday.
The Egyptian was in scintillating form as City recovered from their late Champions League collapse to lose to Real Madrid 3-2 at home in midweek.
The English champions have a mountain to climb when they visit Madrid on Wednesday if they are to reach the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition for the 12th consecutive season.
But Marmoush’s explosion gives some cause for optimism as Newcastle were blown away inside the opening 33 minutes.


The match had been billed as a clash between the Premier League’s two top strikers as Golden Boot rivals Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak went head-to-head.
However, they were both overshadowed as Marmoush announced his arrival to the English game.
The 26-year-old scored 20 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt this season before making a £59 million ($72.6 million) move to Manchester in January.
City were keen to add more goalscoring threats to support Haaland and the early signs are promising that the Norwegian and Marmoush can dovetail effectively.
Guardiola made six changes to freshen up his side between the Madrid double header with Marmoush one of those to come into the side.
Ederson was at fault for City’s late collapse from 2-1 to 3-2 down against the European champions on Tuesday, but made amends with his third assist of the season.
Kieran Trippier was caught underneath the Brazilian goalkeeper’s booming kick upfield and Marmoush had the simple task to lob the stranded Martin Dubravka.
That goal continued City’s run of scoring in their last 33 Premier League games against the Magpies.
Five minutes later, it was 2-0 when Ilkay Gundogan fed Marmoush inside the area, who cut inside before his deflected effort found the bottom corner.
Savinho’s pace and trickery down the right was another major positive for Guardiola and he created the third by skipping past Lewis Hall and squaring for Marmoush to fire home from close range.
City’s fragility at defending leads this season was never seriously tested as the visitors suffered another damaging defeat to their chances of a return to the Champions League next season.
Either side of reaching next month’s League Cup final, Eddie Howe’s men have lost three of their last four Premier League games to slip to seventh.
City, on the other hand, climb back into pole position for Champions League qualification despite their drastic dip in standards this season that will see an unprecedented run of four consecutive league titles almost certainly come to an end.
James McAtee came off the bench to add the fourth six minutes from time when the midfielder turned in Haaland’s flick on from a Gundogan corner.
But there was a worrying scene for City as Haaland had to be replaced in the closing stages after receiving treatment on a knee injury.