Extreme H in Qiddiya: Hydrogen Power Ignites Saudi Motorsport Revolution

Saudi Arabia hosts the inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in Qiddiya City from October 9–11. The hydrogen series debuts on a new off-road venue designed around sustainability and spectacle.

Extreme H retains Extreme E’s race architecture but pivots to fuel-cell propulsion. FIA backing underlines the shift, with technical parity and safety frameworks shaping early competition and development.

Qiddiya City positions motorsport alongside entertainment, culture, and residential projects. The blended campus aims to convert race weekends into extended visitor experiences and diversify the kingdom’s sporting footprint.

The 3.021km layout sits beneath the Tuwaiq escarpment. Its signature 70‑metre “Blade” threads the course through nearby attractions, creating a distinctive rhythm change and punishing mistakes.

Racing features head‑to‑head runs, multi‑car heats, and an eight‑car final. Points start at 10 for winners and taper down, with bonus allocations maintaining jeopardy across sessions.

The Pioneer 25 headlines the field. It delivers 400kW via twin 200kW motors and a Symbio fuel cell, combining instant torque with robust packaging for heavy landings and repeated impacts.

Set-up work focuses on maintaining momentum over jumps and compressions. Updated FOX suspension and refined energy management target consistent platforms, protecting tyres while sustaining pace through the twistier middle sector.

The entry carries notable depth. Team Hanson fields Andreas Bakkerud with Catie Munnings, KMS runs Johan Kristoffersson with Mikaela Åhlin‑Kottulinsky, and Carl Cox Motorsport pairs Timo Scheider with Klara Andersson.

JBX powered by Team Monaco enters Tommi Hallman alongside Christine GZ. Local interest centres on Jameel Motorsport, which fields Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor, combining title pedigree with regional representation.

Saudi Arabia’s motorsport expansion provides the backdrop. Formula E arrived in 2018, Dakar followed in 2020, and Formula 1 joined in 2021, embedding variety and accelerating infrastructure investment.

That pipeline continues with the planned Speed Park Track for 2027. The permanent facility targets 21 corners, 80 garages, and speeds beyond 325km/h, positioning Qiddiya to court additional headline events.

Extreme H therefore serves two purposes. It showcases hydrogen technology under FIA governance while aligning with national transformation goals, fusing innovation, competition, and entertainment in a single destination.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.