Formulation E is exploring plans with Saudi Arabian authorities to undertake an prolonged configuration of the from the beginning of the Gen4 period in 2026/27.
When Formulation E moved to Jeddah in 2025 after the earlier website in Diriyah turned unavailable resulting from building work, it designed a shorter 3km format that bypassed massive sections of the total Formulation 1 observe.
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Whereas the all-electric championship makes use of the identical begin/end straight and Turns 1-3 as F1, the format then diverts into a decent hairpin that hyperlinks again into Turns 21–22 of the unique circuit. Additional, 4 further chicanes have been inserted to create heavy braking zones and enhance alternatives for vitality regeneration.
Nonetheless, as Formulation E prepares for the introduction of sooner and bigger Gen4 automobiles subsequent season, it has the scope to include extra components of the fast-and-flowing F1 circuit, which has proved to be a serious hit amongst drivers since its debut on the grand prix calendar in 2021.
Whereas a transfer to the total 6.17km observe will not be thought of practical within the short-term, talks are beneath approach between Formulation E and the Saudi Motorsport Firm over an extended hybrid configuration, though the precise format has but to be determined.
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“We’re doing simulations,” Formulation E chief championship officer Alberto Longo informed Motorsport.com.
“To not break any information, however I do not assume we will be utilizing precisely the identical observe as we’re utilizing at the moment. However I do not know if we will be utilizing the entire observe. Most likely it is going to be one thing within the center.
“We’re nonetheless within the section of simulation, of testing the automobile, so there are plenty of issues, however we’re considering of a number of totally different choices.”
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Lucas Di Grassi, Lola Yamaha ABT Formulation E Staff
Lucas Di Grassi, Lola Yamaha ABT Formulation E Staff
Formulation E’s next-generation automobile will produce as much as 800bhp, with preliminary projections suggesting that it .
Whereas some present circuits like London ExCel will be unable to accommodate Gen4 automobiles and are probably to get replaced, Formulation E is equally eager on showcasing the total functionality of its new Gen4 automobile the place it may possibly – with Jeddah considered as a first-rate alternative to take action.
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Requested whether or not Formulation E will change to an extended model of the Jeddah circuit subsequent yr, collection’ CEO Jeff Dodds informed Motorsport.com: “Yeah, we want it. That Gen4 automobile is an absolute animal of a automobile, so I believe if we would like folks to see the Gen4 automobile racing at over 200mph and correctly flexing its muscle mass, we want a barely totally different model of the circuit.
“You’d have seen that final time in Miami as effectively. Clearly, the lap occasions in Miami have been slightly below a minute. We want a minute 10, a minute 20 [lap times] to ensure that these automobiles to have the ability to correctly present what they’re able to. So we’re speaking to the group right here a few configuration that may work completely for the Gen4.”
One constant level of debate amongst drivers has been the variety of synthetic chicanes on the present format. Whereas a obligatory evil, no less than within the Gen3 Evo period, they disrupt the pure circulate and rhythm of the observe and blunt the character of what’s speculated to be a quick and flowing circuit.
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“We have to permit regeneration as a result of we would like the automobiles to have the ability to race for longer. Alternatively, we want it to have the ability to present how briskly it is able to going,” defined Dodds.
“So generally, that is the distinction between a 3 or 4 minute slower or longer race. The wonder now we have is Pit Enhance. So if we needed to, we may introduce two Pit Boosts after which have a for much longer race, take away the chicanes and permit the automobile to correctly flex its muscle.
“However the group are actually working by means of that course of now for the calendar for subsequent yr.”
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What do drivers take into consideration increasing the Jeddah FE observe?An aerial view of the circuit and metropolis at night time
An aerial view of the circuit and metropolis at night time
A number of drivers have voiced help for incorporating extra of Jeddah’s ultra-fast first sector, whereas additionally dropping a number of the chicanes.
, the one Formulation E driver to have raced on the full model of the Jeddah format in a grand prix automobile, informed Motorsport.com: “I might personally attempt to eliminate a number of the chicanes on the straights. I believe there are a bit bit too many, and perhaps incorporate a bit bit extra of sector one as a result of it is a very cool part.”
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The Dutchman, nevertheless, dominated out the prospect of Formulation E adopting the total F1 format within the close to future.
“I believe there will not be sufficient charging,” he stated. “It is a very fast circuit. For us in Formulation E, it is not essentially a really fast circuit as a result of now we have the chicanes that gradual it down.
“So I might say by way of traits, they [F1 and FE layouts] are very totally different. I might like to [race on the F1 version] as a result of I believe the true observe is actually actually cool, however I do not assume we might have sufficient factors to regenerate vitality.”
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’s added: “Whether or not we are able to race on the total observe, I am unsure, however it could be good to discover the primary sector no less than.”
Andretti driver , who competed on the total format in a GT World Problem Europe occasion in 2024, was in favour of retaining the present format with some minor revisions.
“We may in all probability run this actual format for Gen4,” he informed Motorsport.com. “Possibly, when you eliminated one of many chicanes in sector three, it’d in all probability be the right steadiness. You may in all probability take away the primary chicane in sector three after which simply have that ultimate one midway down the straight.
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“However this is among the tracks which is comparatively effectively suited to the Gen4 automobile.”
Cupra Kiro driver stated he was in favour of transferring to the total F1 model, which he described as one among his favorite circuits.
“It would be good to do the total model,” Cupra Kiro driver Dan Ticktum informed Motorsport.com. “I drove the total model in F2. It’s one among my favorite tracks I’ve pushed, really. I believe we have too many little chicanes, however it’s what it’s. It is nonetheless enjoyable to drive.”
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