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JEDDAH: Drivers will compete on a revised version of the record-breaking Jeddah Corniche Circuit in a double-header weekend when the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship comes to Saudi Arabia this weekend.

After six successful seasons in Diriyah, the all-electric racing series will now compete on a specially adapted layout of the circuit, the fastest in the world, as the championship moves to Jeddah for the first time on Feb. 14-15. 

The newly modified three kilometer track will have 19 corners, offering a new challenge for drivers and teams as they navigate high-speed turns along the Red Sea coastline.

The Jeddah E-Prix’s circuit layout has been tailored exclusively for Formula E, featuring four new chicanes placed to enhance overtaking and show off the agility of the electric vehicles.

The track diverges from the traditional Formula 1 route just before Turn 4, before rejoining at the Turn 21/22 section. Two additional chicane complexes have been installed between Turns 25 and 26, leading into the final corner and on to the pit straight.

These modifications were completed in just 30 days, with a dedicated 120-member team working around the clock to transform the circuit.

“Delivering a brand-new track layout at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in just 30 days was an immense challenge, but one that our dedicated team of 120 track specialists tackled with incredible skill and determination,” said Angus Miller, senior track and overlay manager at Formula E.

Samer Issa-El-Khoury, managing partner of CBX, the promoter of the Jeddah E-Prix, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of CBX, the Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, and Formula E, we have adapted the Jeddah Corniche Circuit to create a track that will deliver thrilling electric racing for fans and drivers alike,” he said.

Formula E will also introduce Pit Boost, an innovative mid-race feature, at Jeddah’s opening race.

This new strategy element grants drivers a 10 percent energy increase (3.85kWh) via a 30-second, 600kW ultra-fast energy boost in the pitlane. The feature is designed to shake up race tactics.

Saudi Arabia is a key destination on the championship’s calendar, and the move to Jeddah aligns with its Vision 2030 strategy to develop world-class sporting events throughout the Kingdom.

LG Electronics Saudi Arabia and Al-Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co., an importer, manufacturer and distributor of air conditioners and home appliances in the Kingdom, are celebrating their 30-year partnership, a journey marked by innovation and excellence in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry.

This long-term alliance will continue to promote LG’s innovative HVAC solutions, and reinforce LG and Shaker’s position as a leading HVAC solution provider in the Kingdom. These advanced solutions include residential and commercial air conditioning and chiller systems. All are designed to emphasize “Made in Saudi,” sustainability, energy efficiency, and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030’s development goals.

The HVAC sector has undergone profound change in recent times, with artificial intelligence and Internet of Things boosting innovation in the field. Today, customers expect solutions to be more sustainable, efficient, and optimized for operations than ever before. 

LG and Shaker Group have been at the forefront of this evolution with advanced products like the LG Multi V I, which is expected to launch in the Kingdom later this year. LG Multi V I uses integrated AI algorithms to analyze real-time data and thereby optimize energy usage. This enables the product to be flexible enough to adjust cooling during peak hours as well as monitor room occupancy to ensure temperature levels are ideally set with minimal manual input. This makes it the premier option for consultants in charge of complex projects.

Pilwon Jung, MEA regional representative of LG Electronics, said: “Over the past three decades, LG has collaborated with Shaker to deliver the most advanced HVAC solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our commitment to driving growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, and contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainability goals remains stronger than ever.”

The partnership was launched in 2008 with the establishment of a joint venture factory in Riyadh that initially produced up to 750,000 units annually. This was a critical step in localizing production while addressing the Kingdom’s pressing need for HVAC solutions.

In recognition of the remarkable milestones achieved, LG and Shaker Group will be honoring key stakeholders who have played significant roles in realizing the partnership’s objectives. This move underscores their shared commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of their partners.

Mohammed Ibrahim Abunayyan, CEO of Shaker, said: “Our 30-year collaboration with LG Electronics Saudi Arabia is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and contributing to the Kingdom’s prosperity. This enduring partnership reflects our joint dedication to delivering leading, cutting-edge, energy-efficient HVAC solutions that align with Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision while meeting the evolving needs of our valued consumers. Together, we continue to drive excellence, shaping a future of progress and sustainable development.”

As they celebrate this milestone, LG and Shaker Group reaffirm their commitment to promoting sustainable and energy-efficient HVAC solutions that align with Saudi Vision 2030 and contribute to a diversified economy.