Formula E expects Jeddah to open Gen4 era despite Middle East uncertainty

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds says the championship still expects to begin its 13th season in Jeddah, despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East forcing other major series to alter their regional plans.

Jeddah plan remains in place

The situation remains sensitive. Formula 1, MotoGP and the World Endurance Championship have already cancelled or postponed races in the region amid the wider crisis. For Formula E, that means the planned Gen4 launch in Saudi Arabia is still dependent on how conditions develop over the coming months.

Dodds, however, indicated that Formula E has reason to be optimistic. Speaking to RacingNews365, he revealed that one major manufacturer partner had checked whether travel to Jeddah would be permitted under current circumstances and received a clear answer.

“They went away to get that answer, so they officially put the request in, and they came back and said they'd been told there were zero restrictions on travelling there, so we'd be absolutely fine to go there,” Dodds said.

Safety assessment under way

Dodds explained that Formula E is carrying out detailed work to define the conditions under which racing in Jeddah would remain viable, and the conditions that would force a change of plan.

“What we've got underway is a big piece of work that basically says under what conditions we'd be fine to race and under what conditions we wouldn't be fine to race,” he added.

Should Jeddah need to be postponed, Formula E is open to moving the event later in the season. In that scenario, Mexico City would become the opening round of the Gen4 era.

For now, the championship’s position is clear but cautious. Feedback from teams and manufacturers suggests travel is currently possible, and Dodds concluded: “Our expectation is that we'll be racing in Jeddah next season to kick off our season in December.”