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      British Formula E racing drivers caught up in missile attack in Saudi Arabia

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      BRIT motor racing teams were last night caught up in a terrifying missile attack in Saudi Arabia.
      Terrorists launched a rocket at the capital Riyadh where the multi-million-pound Formula E electric racing championship was taking place.

      A rocket was launched at the capital Riyadh where the Formula E electric racing championship was taking placeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Top Brit Formula E driver Sam Bird was at the eventCredit: Rex Features

      Seven Brit drivers, including winner Sam Bird, were at the awards ceremony when the Houthi rebel device was blasted from the sky by a US patriot interceptor.
      Six British-based teams including Williams, Jaguar, Mahindra Racing, Mercedes EQ, Envision Virgin and NIO 333 were there to take part.
      The country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was among wealthy VIPs attending the futuristic racing event at the Diriyah circuit.
      No injuries were reported but flights were diverted.

      Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, pictured, are working on Formula E teams but were not at the event last nightCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Saudi military coalition has been fighting the Houthis in nearby Yemen for six years.
      Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton are working on Formula E teams but were not at the event last night.
      The new motorsport championship is run in the same style as Formula 1 but with totally electric race cars and is said to be the future of the sport.

      Nelson Piquet Jr goes airborne after huge crash with Jean-Eric Vergne
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      Formula E: Brit Sam Bird extends winning record to cap off double header in Saudi Arabia

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      SAM BIRD extended his record as the only driver to win a race in all seven Formula E seasons in Saudi Arabia.
      The Brit claimed his first victory since his switch to Jaguar to cap off the double header under the lights in Riyadh.

      Sam Bird is the only driver to win a race in all seven Formula E seasonsCredit: Formula E

      Bird fiercely battled with former Envision Virgin Racing teammate Robin Frijns who finished second ahead of two-time FE champion Jean-Eric Vergne.
      Bird said: “I was a bit emotional in the car, it was a big step for me leaving what was my family at Envision Virgin Racing, who were great to me for six years and joining a new team.
      “But Jaguar have welcomed me with open arms, I didn’t know what to expect at the beginning but I have come into a fantastic team.
      “They’re a great bunch of guys, they’re already my family and I’m just happy I can get the result.”

      Last season’s constructors’ champions Techeetah stormed through the field but it ended with both teammates colliding.
      The reigning champion Antonio Felix Da Costa and former F1 ace Vergne both barged into each other as they were fighting for a place on the podium.
      Vergne ultimately took the final step on the podium as Da Costa settled for fourth.

      Both Mercedes drivers finished outside the points
      Mercedes duo Stoffel Vandoorne and yesterday’s winner Nyck de Vries both finished outside of the points.

      This was after a heavy crash in the final practice session for Edoardo Mortara in a Mercedes-powered Venturi car.
      Mortara flew into the barriers after a break failure, which led to the FIA preventing all Mercedes powered cars from going out on track until the issue was resolved, which forced the Mercs to miss qualifying.
      Mortara was not fit to race after going to the medical centre but was on the grid prior to the race.

      Edoardo Mortara avoided any severe injuries from his heavy collisonCredit: Splash News
      Mortara said: “I feel quite okay. I would be lying if I said I was perfectly fine.
      “I have some big pain from the crash this morning but I am thankful and grateful I don’t have any severe injuries.
      “It was not a great feeling, it’s a thing I would like to forget.”
      “You feel a bit like a passenger, there’s nothing you can do with no breaks.”
      “I thought it was the end for me, so it was not a nice feeling at all.”
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      Formula E: Nyck de Vries storms to victory in season opener in FE’s first ever night race

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      NYCK DE VRIES stormed to victory in the opening race of the season in Formula E’s first ever night race in Saudi Arabia.
      The Mercedes driver dazzled under the lights in Riyadh to win his first FE race by four seconds.

      Nyck de Vries dominated the opening race in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCredit: Formula E

      Edoardo Mortara finished second for Venturi in a Mercedes powered car, ahead of Jaguar’s Mitch Evans.
      Former F2 champion De Vries, said: “My first Formula E win, I’m still quite relaxed, I don’t know why but I am very pleased.
      “We’ve been strong from the first practice session and to be able to translate it to the race was very satisfying.
      “Because it wasn’t easy with so many safety cars and the race pace was very unpredictable at the start of the race.”

      The next race is Saturday to round off the double header in Saudi Arabia.
      Sam Bird’s debut for Jaguar ended in frustration after a strong start was ruined following a crash with fellow Brit Alex Lynn which forced them both to retire.

      Formula E had their ever night race in Suadi ArabiaCredit: Formula E

      Lynn closed the door on Bird who attempted the overtake on the inside, leaving Bird furious in his cockpit as the two faced each other after the crash.
      McLaren boss Zak Brown was pictured at the opening FE race, just a month after the team signed an option to race in Formula E for the 2022/23 season.

      But as they signed the agreement, the team made it clear they would still be committed to F1.
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      Mclaren team boss Zak Brown (right) was pictured at the season opener in SuadiCredit: Formula E

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      F1 star Lewis Hamilton vows to fight for equality ‘as long as I have air in my lungs’ in Black Lives Matter rally cry

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has vowed to maintain his fight for equality ahead of the new Formula One season.
      Last year saw the seven-time world champion expand his anti-racism efforts, drawing a particular focus on motorsport.

      Lewis Hamilton has updated fans on his anti-racism effortsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      F1 bosses agreed to increase their own equality campaign with several drivers taking a knee alongside Hamilton before races.
      However, the 36-year-old will not stop there and continues to support the Black Lives Matter movement as well as causes such as the Justice for Breonna Taylor campaign.
      On Friday, he posted his latest thoughts on Instagram, and wrote: “Black Lives Matter. Last year some of us took a knee in support of equality which I am proud of.
      “My question is, what’s next? The inequities within our sport and within the world persist. Change is still needed.

      “We must keep pushing to hold ourselves and others accountable. We have to keep striving for equality for all, in order to continue to see true and lasting change in our world.
      “As long as I have air in my lungs, I will continue to fight for change in everything I do.
      “I will work to create pathways and opportunities for kids of colour, within sciences, engineering and creative disciplines.
      “Let’s keep pushing. What are you committed to?”

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Hamilton will attempt to secure a record-breaking eighth world title in the upcoming F1 season.
      Mercedes agreed a new £40million contract with the Brit earlier this month but there is speculation over his future beyond that.
      As well as the BLM post and a picture of his shadow standing with a fist raised in the air, he updated fans on another passion of his on Friday.
      Hamilton filmed a clip of his laptop and soundboard setup while mixing his own music, with the caption: “Back doing what I love.”

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      Lewis Hamilton could join Aston Martin F1 team next season with co-owner Lawrence Stroll labelling 2022 bid ‘tempting’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON could receive an offer to join Aston Martin if he leaves Mercedes at the end of the season.
      The Formula One team’s co-owner Lawrence Stroll has admitted that he would be ‘tempted’ to try and land the world champion should he become available.

      Lewis Hamilton could enter the Formula One drivers’ market in 2022Credit: AFP

      Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll has admitted to being tempted by the BritCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ahead of the 2021 season, Canadian billionaire Stroll has brought in four-time title winner Sebastian Vettel to race alongside son Lance.
      But the possibility of putting Hamilton in an Aston Martin is one he could not ignore.
      Stroll, 61, told an interview with PA: “It’s definitely tempting.
      “Lewis in any car is great and I’m sure everyone would say yes because he is a seven-time world champion.

      “But right now, I am extremely focused on getting started this year.”
      Hamilton, 36, ended speculation over his future in F1 by signing a one-year deal with Mercedes earlier this month.

      The Anglo-German team have dominated the sport throughout the current era, winning seven consecutive constructors’ titles – Hamilton picking up six drivers’ crowns along the way.
      But a significant rulebook revamp ahead of the 2022 campaign could shake up the grid.

      One team hoping to launch a championship bid is Aston Martin, who rebranded from Racing Point over the winter after Stroll linked up with the historic British manufacturer.
      And he believes it is ‘realistic’ for the team to challenge for titles in the future.
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      There is no reason why world championships are not on the horizon.
      Lawrence Stroll

      The fashion magnate noted: “This team has outperformed itself with significantly fewer resources.
      “And I sincerely believe that with the same amount of people and the same budget, there is no reason why world championships are not on the horizon.
      “It is very realistic to think that.”

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      Formula E – 2021 Teams, drivers and stats guide ahead of new season

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      FORMULA E’s new season begins on Friday with its first ever night race in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
      Ahead of the double header inRiyadh, SunSport have given you a break down of all the teams and drivers in what is a highly competitive grid.

      Formula E will begin the new season under the lights in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Formula E
      AUDI SPORT ABT SCHAEFFLER
      Races 69, Wins 12, Podiums 43
      Lucas DI GRASSI #11
      Races 69, Wins 10, Podiums 32
      René RAST #33
      Races 7, Wins 0, Podiums 1
      BMWi ANDRETTI MOTORSPORT
      Races 69, Wins 4, Podiums 14
      Maximilian GUENTHER #28
      Races 21, Wins 2, Podiums 3
      Jake DENNIS #27
      Races 0, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT
      Races 69, Wins 2, Podiums 9
      Nico MUELLER #6
      Races 10, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      Sérgio SETTE C MARA #7
      Races 6, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      DS TECHEETAH
      Races 48, Wins 12, Podiums 31
      António Félix DA COSTA #13
      Races 65, Wins 5, Podiums 11
      Jean-Éric VERGNE #25
      Races 67, Wins 9, Podiums 23
      ENVISION VIRGIN RACING
      Races 69, Wins 11, Podiums 29
      Robin FRIJNS #4
      Races 45, Wins 2, Podiums 7
      Nick CASSIDY #37
      Races 0, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      JAGUAR RACING
      Races 48, Wins 2, Podiums 6
      Sam BIRD #10
      Races 69, Wins 9, Podiums 19
      Mitch EVANS #20
      Races 48, Wins 2, Podiums 6
      MAHINDRA RACING
      Races 69, Wins 4, Podiums 18
      Alexander SIMS #29
      Races 24, Wins 1 Podiums 2
      Alex LYNN #94
      Races 27, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      MERCEDES-EQ FORMULA E TEAM
      Races 24, Wins 1, Podiums 5
      Stoffel VANDOORNE #5
      Races 24, Wins 1, Podiums 4
      Nyck DE VRIES #17
      Races 11, Wins 0, Podiums 1

      NIO 333 FORMULA E TEAM
      Races 69, Wins 2, Podiums 6
      Oliver TURVEY #8
      Races 58, Wins 0, Podiums 1
      Tom BLOMQVIST #88
      Races 8, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      NISSAN E.DAMS

      Races 69, Wins 17, Podiums 37
      Oliver ROWLAND #22
      Races 25, Wins 1, Podiums 3
      Sébastien BUEMI #23
      Races 67, Wins 13, Podiums 29
      ROKiT VENTURI RACING
      Races 69 Wins 1 Podiums 6
      Edoardo MORTARA #48
      Races 33, Wins 1, Podiums 3
      Norman NATO #71
      Races 0, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      TAG HEUER PORSCHE
      Races 11, Wins 0, Podiums 2 D
      André LOTTERER #36
      Races 36, Wins 0, Podiums 6
      Pascal WEHRLEIN #99
      Races 17, Wins 0, Podiums 1
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      Formula E – 2021 season seven guide: Everything you need to know – Driver changes, race calendar and rule changes

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      FORMULA E is planning to dazzle in the dark as the series kicks off season seven with their first night race.
      Set on the streets of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, the 2.49km track will be illuminated by energy-saving LED bulbs.

      Mercedes’ FE enter their second season in the all-electric seasonCredit: Formula E

      Friday evening’s race will be the first in a double-header in Diriyah, which promises the most competitive line-up in motor racing.
      With 12 teams, including 10 manufacturers, there are a total of 24 drivers looking to take the title, currently held by Antonio Felix Da Costa.
      What is new for 2021?
      There are three new drivers as 25-year-old British racing driver, Jake Dennis has joined BMW i Andretti Motorsport swelling the UK’s representation to seven.
      New Zealand’s Nick Cassidy has joined British team Envision Virgin Racing while Frenchman Norman Nato has signed for Monaco-based ROKiT Venturi Racing.

      Any other moves?
      Brit Sam Bird has joined Jaguar from Virgin while former F1 driver Felipe Massa has left Venturi.
      René Rast has been promoted to permanent driver for Audi, replacing axed Daniel Abt.
      Pascal Wehrlein has joined TAG Heuer Porsche and Alexander Sims is now driving for Mahindra Racing and has been joined by fellow Brit Alex Lynn.
      Sérgio Sette Câmara was signed by Dragon / Penske Autosport on a permanent basis while Tom Blomqvist has replaced Ma Qinghua at NIO 333.

      Two-time FE champion Jean-Eric Vergne during testing under the lights in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Formula E
      Any new races?
      Two new destinations are expected to host ePrixs this season, although the calendar is still subject to change.
      Nonetheless, there is another first in that FE are poised to race on a permanent track for the first time – as opposed to a temporary street circuit.
      The Valencia ePrix is scheduled for April 24th and will take place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
      The Seoul ePrix is also due to make its debut on the calendar after the race was postponed last year.
      So there are two new races, but there will be no French ePrix, as that has already been cancelled.

      Formula E calendar – next season

      1) Diriyah Saudi Arabia February 26, 2021
      2) Diriyah Saudi Arabia February 27, 2021
      3) Rome* Italy April 10, 2021
      4) Valencia* Spain April 24, 2021
      5) Monaco* Monaco May 8, 2021
      6) Marrakesh Morocco May 22, 2021
      7) Santiago Chile June 5, 2021
      8) Santiago Chile June 6, 2021
      *Subject to circuit homologation

      Anything else?
      Powertrains – battery and motors to everyone else – have also seen a tweak to the rules.
      To help team’s financially, they have been offered one of two solutions.
      The cheaper option of sticking with their powertrain from the 2019/2020 season and bringing a new package later in the season.

      Or choose a new powertrain and stick stick with the design for two years.
      Audi, Virgin, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW i Andretti, Mahindra, Mercedes, Venturi and NIO have all taken the second option to bring new powertrains.
      DS TECHEETAH, Nissan and Dragon meanwhile have decided to start the season with their current equipment and play their hand later this season.
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      Brit Sam Bird hopes to continue Formula E record as he eyes first world title

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      SAM BIRD is looking to extend his wins record in the hope of becoming Formula E’s first, proper world champion.
      The Brit has won a race in all six of the previous season in Formula E and he can now take that record into season seven, which kicks off in Saudi Arabia today.

      Sam Bird joined Jaguar in the off season after six years with VirginCredit: Formula E

      Until this year, Formula E had been failed to be classified as a world championship by motorsport’s governing body, but that ruling has now been overturned.
      He said: “The goal is to become the first official Formula E world champion and in order to do that you have to win multiple races.
      “So that would mean keeping that record up. I am the only person in FE who has won a race in every year, so let’s see how we do.
      “We have not even turned a wheel yet, so it is too early to speak about performances but so far I have been impressed by what we have been able to achieve in such a short space of time.”

      Bird, 34, will be racing for Jaguar this season after cutting his ties with Virgin.
      And he says it was time for a change after being with his former team since the start of the series in 2014.

      Sam Bird has won a race in every single Formula E seasonCredit: Formula E
      He added: “Virgin were amazing for me for six years. I have some great memories but in motorsport, to stay anywhere for six years is quite a long time.
      “There comes a point where you feel like you need a new challenge. A change of scenery.

      “I have watched Jaguar improve over the last three or four years and I have been impressed by what they do and I thought, British brand, British driver, so I am glad to be here.
      “We are all pretty close as drivers but if a driver picks the right team at the right time, he can go on and win a lot of things.
      “I believe in what we are doing at Jaguar and in the package we have brought to the table.”
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