RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 25 January 2023:  Formula E racing drivers Sam Bird, René Rast and Jake Hughes met some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest football heroes ahead of the 2023 CORE Diriyah E-Prix this weekend. 
 
René Rast and Jake Hughes from NEOM McLaren Formula E team and Sam Bird from Jaguar TCS Racing joined a training session with reigning Saudi Pro League champions and 18-time winners Al Hilal for a kickabout in Riyadh.
 
The drivers got a chance to test their skills alongside the club’s first-team players including Saudi Arabia international Salem Al Dawsari, who scored the winner in the country’s 2-1 win against Argentina at the FIFA 2022 World Cup. They also met Saudi Arabia’s national captain Salman Al Faraj.
 
The 2023 CORE Diriyah E-Prix is a double-header of races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this Friday and Saturday. Rounds 2 and 3 take place on a street circuit surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most picturesque locations on the 16-race calendar the only night races in the Formula E season.  
 
Fans attending the 2023 CORE Diriyah E-Prix will get their first look at the all-new GEN3 for the first time - the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built. Capable of 200mph / 322kph, the 22 drivers will push the world’s most advanced electric racing car to the limit as they navigate the 21-turn, 2.495km circuit.
 
As well as enjoying incredible on-track action, fans will get to enjoy electric performances from world-renowned artists, John Legend, French Montana, Miguel and DJ Martin Garrix who will be performing post-race concerts over the weekend.
 
Ticketholders can enjoy a full day of entertainment for the whole family in the Allianz Fan Village with racing simulators in the gaming arena, plus live music performances, street food and much more.