JEDDAH — The Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) in association with the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) — promoters of the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 — has Friday announced the launch of the ‘Saudi Young Stars’ e-Karting competition powered by Electromin, aimed at 6–12-year-old Saudi drivers, with the fastest 20 drivers going into a final to compete on a specially designed karting track in the Fanzone at the first ever F1 race weekend in Saudi Arabia.

The goal of the competition is to bring together a rich and diverse group of young Saudi talent over a series of karting events, inspiring the next generation of Saudi motorsport drivers by giving young enthusiasts the opportunity to experience racing.

The competition will showcase Saudi Arabia’s expanding grassroots motorsport program and help further introduce motorsport to the Saudi youth in the lead up to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021on the weekend of Dec. 3–5.

Qualifying events for the program will take place at a purpose-built karting racetrack throughout November in Jeddah with the most talented drivers at each event selected to compete in the ‘Saudi Young Stars’ final at the F1 race weekend itself.

The first two events have already taken place on Nov. 9 and between Nov. 13–16 at the Atlas Karting Track in Jeddah, with a final qualifying round to follow on Nov.19–22.

The final will then be staged across the weekend of the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 from Dec. 3–5 at the purpose-built Southern Fan Zone Karting Track

Young drivers will have the opportunity to harness their talent against the competition in equal-performance, electric race karts, that can reach speeds of 55mph.

The e-karts use innovative technology where the power output can be regulated so the same e-kart can be used for training on a low power, as well as racing on its full power. Making them the perfect go kart for kids to compete and learn in.

Drivers will not need any previous racing experience as this will be taught during qualifying rounds.

The competition will see a diverse group of young drivers compete before a final selection of 20 drivers are chosen based on performance in a variety of different areas including classroom-based learning, to compete at the showpiece eKarting finale in the F1 Fanzone.

Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Saudi Motorsport Company, welcomed Friday’s news: “I can’t wait to see the future of the Kingdom compete in the Saudi Young Stars competition powered by Electromin. The arrival of F1 in Saudi Arabia goes beyond just three days of unforgettable sport and entertainment.

“It is also destined to leave a lasting legacy for the people of Saudi Arabia and none more so than our youth. We want to inspire our young people to dream big. In offering so many kids the chance to showcase their karting talents with these incredible machines, we are providing them with a chance to realize their potential and reveal to them the many possibilities that are available for them through motorsport.”

Electromin also released the following statement in support of the Saudi Young Stars competition: “Electromin is happy to sponsor the Saudi Young Stars e-Karting Competition. e-Karting offers a great new way for children to enter the world of motorsport in a new, dynamic and exciting series using electric power instead of traditional fuel.

“Leading from our chairman who has ‘Giving’ as one of his 3 pillars to success, Electromin is looking to help give the opportunity to young children across the Kingdom to enable them access to this exciting series. There hasn’t been a Formula 1 world champion in the last 30 years who hasn’t come from karting, so Electromin want to help find the new star of the future with the Saudi Young Stars initiative.”

The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021will mark its arrival in style with the newest circuit in the sport estimated to see drivers reach average speeds of 250km/h, making it the fastest street circuit in the world - and in the top five fastest F1 circuits altogether!

Indeed, superstars of F1 are projected to reach top speeds of up to 322km/h as they race towards Turn 27.

Featuring no less than 27 corners, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit stretches to 6.175km in length, making it the second longest circuit on the current F1 calendar behind the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and the longest street circuit in the sport.

Additionally, three consecutive sections of the circuit have been marked out as potential DRS Zones, ensuring plenty of overtaking opportunities for the drivers throughout the race.

The fact the race will take place at night under the lights will only add to the amazing atmosphere F1 fans can expect to experience in December. — SG