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.

Tickets are still available, starting at 100 SAR and available from https://diriyahseason.s a