‘Privileged’: Saudi races are some of the calendar’s busiest, says Formula E’s director of operations

For Darcey Lingley (right), Director of Operations at Formula E, race day is spent hosting VIPs, celebrities and influencers. (Simon Galloway/LAT Images)
For Darcey Lingley (right), Director of Operations at Formula E, race day is spent hosting VIPs, celebrities and influencers. (Simon Galloway/LAT Images)
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Updated 07 February 2025

‘Privileged’: Saudi races are some of the calendar’s busiest, says Formula E’s director of operations

‘Privileged’: Saudi races are some of the calendar’s busiest, says Formula E’s director of operations
  • Ahead of the Jeddah E-Prix next week, Darcey Lingley speaks to Arab News about her decade-long stint at the electric racing series and its rise in popularity

DUBAI: When the Jeddah E-Prix’s double-header takes place over Feb. 14-15, few people will be as busy as Darcey Lingley — with the exception of the drivers tearing around the track, perhaps.

The director of operations at Formula E has been with the organization for about a decade and after six years of hosting the race in Diriyah, she will be overseeing the latest edition of the race at its new location at Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

As someone involved with the ABB FIA Formula E Championship from its earliest days, Lingley has had a closer look than most at just how the race-day experience, in Saudi and elsewhere, has developed in recent years.

“I’m very fortunate,” Lingley told Arab News. “I’ve seen every iteration of our n events. So I was there in that very first one (2018), and I have to say, especially where we were able to race, in Diriyah, has been very special over the last few years.

“We know we’re very privileged with the location. The growth of the event, popularity, the interest, knowledge, sharing of the sport in the market, has really grown. With that has also been the investment and opportunity to bring bigger, better shows.”

She added: “It’s really led the way for a lot of our other events in terms of entertainment and how we can really bring the sport into a slightly different phase to the business. So it’s been great.”

The all-electric racing series was launched in 2014 with 10 teams competing against each other in 11 races across 10 locations. In the ongoing 2024-25 campaign, Formula E’s 11th season, 11 teams are taking part in 17 races in 11 different countries.

In that time, Lingley has seen how fan engagement has grown across the growing number of events.

“I think, from a fan’s perspective, what we’ve seen is just knowledge growth in the market,” she said.

“In many of our events, people are still getting to know Formula E. But I think really from a fan’s perspective, through the entertainment and engaging and driving fans to come to our events for more than just motorsport, it has been really great. And also from a VIP perspective with celebrities and influencers, and we’ve had celebrity chefs in our Emotion Club hospitality.

“The beauty of our hospitality experience is that you’re mixing with those CEOs, celebs and influencers within that same space. So it really feels quite interactive and engaging. And that has only just grown year on year.”

Lingley and her team expect the two races in Jeddah to be the biggest of the Formula E calendar, as they were in Diriyah.

She said: “I think for us, the event for VIP hospitality is definitely our largest out of the calendar season. For context, that’s 3,500 guests in our Emotion Club as opposed to 1,000 we have in most other markets. So I think that really shows that level of engagement and excitement there. Jeddah Corniche Circuit I think will help facilitate that scale of guest attendance and help us grow it for future seasons as well.

“I think that with our ambitions to grow the entertainment program, and the fan-focused experiences also, it’s a fantastic venue that’s only going to help us (improve) that as well.”

The larger Jeddah crowds can expect plenty of post-race entertainment, as attendees in recent years have experienced.

Lingley added: “I think our concerts over the years have equally only grown in popularity and have developed and improved. With the Backstreet Boys, completely iconic, last season, but also Martin Garrix and OneRepublic, amongst many other names we’ve had over the seasons.”

This year, the post-race concerts are to be headlined by Akon and Lil Baby on consecutive nights.

With the Jeddah E-Prix now less than a week away, Lingley and her team are fully focused on another hectic weekend, when all their planning and preparation comes to fruition.

She said: “We’re live on race day. We’re hosting. This is the day that we’re kind of gearing up for.

“It’s not like many departments in the business, which should be ‘feet up’ if everything’s gone well. For us, that is the day where it all comes together. So for me, that’s supporting the team with opening the gates on time, ensuring that everything’s prepared, making sure of everyone’s reserved areas.

“The nuances of all of those guest experiences are ironed out in those itineraries for all of the client groups, (including) the behind-the-scenes tours, electric laps, grid procedures.

“We’ve got enough staff and everyone’s briefed well. But to be honest, (race day) is spending a lot of time talking to a lot of people, whether that’s our staff or the guests, our team’s partner sponsors, just making sure everyone’s got all the support they could possibly need. All being well, I spend a lot of time talking, which is not a challenge for me.”

Beyond attendances at events, Lingley says the popularity of Formula E continues to rise globally, thanks to the expansion into new markets, especially in Asia.

She said: “I’ve been in Formula E for 10 years now, just over, so I’ve really seen that curve of engagement and how the championship has grown exponentially.

“It’s truly impressive how it’s grown year on year, and I think despite challenges with COVID-19, for the nature of the business that we were and the age we were as a company, it’s impressive and incredible how much we’ve continued to grow.

“What I see on the hospitality side in particular is that we’ve never had more external engagement to want to get into our events. Historically we’ve always been geared towards our sponsors, championship teams, our partners, because they’re our primary audience.

“But what’s really exciting about season 11 and beyond is just the nature and interest of B2C, B2B, other companies, and just individuals who want to pay to come and have that exclusive experience, and I think that really says everything.” 


Tadej Pogacar caps incredible season with record-equaling fifth Tour of Lombardy title

Tadej Pogacar caps incredible season with record-equaling fifth Tour of Lombardy title
Updated 6 sec ago

Tadej Pogacar caps incredible season with record-equaling fifth Tour of Lombardy title

Tadej Pogacar caps incredible season with record-equaling fifth Tour of Lombardy title
  • It capped an incredible season, which includes a fourth Tour de France title
  • Pogacar’s winning streak has come in consecutive years

BERGAMO, Italy: Tadej Pogacar crossed the finish line first at the Tour of Lombardy and held up his open hand, each finger representing the record-equaling five times he won the Italian classic.

It capped an incredible season, which includes a fourth Tour de France title, with a successful defense of the world road race crown as he matched Fausto Coppi’s five wins at the Italian race on Saturday.

“Seven years in a row I’ve said this is my best season so far, and I can say it again today,” Pogacar said after thanking his UAE Emirates teammates for their part in his victory.

Pogacar’s winning streak has come in consecutive years, while Coppi won the Lombardy event in 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1954.

The Slovenian cycling star completed the 241-kilometer (150-mile) race, which included six climbs, in 5 hours, 45 minutes.

Top challenger Remco Evenepoel was second, 1 minute, 48 seconds behind. Michael Storer finished third, more than three minutes behind.

Pogacar has won three of the five one-day “monument” races this season, after also prevailing in the Tour de Flanders and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. He is the first rider to do that since Eddy Merckx in 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1975.


Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, casting doubt on future comeback

Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, casting doubt on future comeback
Updated 2 min 52 sec ago

Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, casting doubt on future comeback

Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, casting doubt on future comeback
  • The operation adds to an extensive medical history for Woods, who has endured a string of surgeries on his back, knees, leg and Achilles over the past decade
  • The 15-time major champion’s latest setback likely rules out appearances in December’s Hero World Challenge, which he hosts, and the PNC Championship, where he has played alongside his son Charlie

NEW YORK: Tiger Woods has undergone his seventh back surgery – his second in just over a year – after doctors discovered a collapsed lumbar disc that had caused severe pain and mobility issues.

The 49-year-old golfer announced on social media Saturday that the latest procedure, a disc replacement, was performed Friday in New York.

“After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with doctors and surgeons to have tests taken,” Woods wrote. “The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal. I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back.”

The operation adds to an extensive medical history for Woods, who has endured a string of surgeries on his back, knees, leg and Achilles over the past decade.

He has not competed this year while recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in March, and it is unclear when – or if – he will return to competitive golf.

The 15-time major champion’s latest setback likely rules out appearances in December’s Hero World Challenge, which he hosts, and the PNC Championship, where he has played alongside his son Charlie.

Since surviving a 2021 car crash that nearly resulted in the amputation of his right leg, Woods has played only sparingly – just 15 official events in four years, often withdrawing mid-tournament due to pain.

His most recent competitive round came in the TGL simulator league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy, though his October surgery now makes participation in the league’s upcoming season improbable.


Italy boost World Cup qualifying chances with 3-1 win in Estonia

Italy boost World Cup qualifying chances with 3-1 win in Estonia
Updated 12 October 2025

Italy boost World Cup qualifying chances with 3-1 win in Estonia

Italy boost World Cup qualifying chances with 3-1 win in Estonia
  • The group winners qualify directly for the World Cup with the runners-up going into the playoffs

TALLINN: Italy’s hopes of at least making the World Cup qualifying playoffs were given a boost with a 3-1 win away to Estonia on Saturday thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Francesco Pio Esposito.
Italy failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, twice missing out in the playoffs, and the dreaded backdoor route now looks their most likely chance after Norway’s 5-0 hammering of Israel in Group I earlier on Saturday.
The Norwegians are top on 18 points from six games. Italy have 12 points with a game in hand on their rivals and are three points clear of Israel. Estonia remain fourth on three points.
The group winners qualify directly for the World Cup with the runners-up going into the playoffs.
Italy raced into a fourth minute lead when Federico Dimarco played the ball into the feet of Kean who twisted and turned his way into the area before unleashing a shot into the far corner.
That was Kean’s fourth goal in three games for Italy, but the striker was forced off through injury shortly afterwards, replaced by Esposito whose only previous international appearance also came off the bench against Estonia in September.
Retegui won a penalty when fouled by Marten Kuusk but failed to convert as Karl Hein tipped his effort onto the post.
“The important thing is to create — missing goals and penalties can happen,” Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso told RAI Sport. “The boys are eager and continuing on the right path.”
The Italian forward made up for that miss when doubling the visitors’ lead seven minutes before the break. Riccardo Orsolini played a pass back from the byline and Retegui smashed the ball past Hein from just outside the six-yard box.

ESPOSITO OFF THE MARK
The second half was a tamer affair until Leonardo Spinazzola’s ball into the area was met first time by Esposito to net his first international goal in the 74th minute.
“I’m very emotional, these are things you can’t explain or fully grasp in the moment,” Esposito told Sky.
“I still need to process it, but I’m incredibly happy, everything happened so fast.”
Two minutes later and after Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma had been an onlooker for much of the game, the visiting keeper spilled Markus Soomets’ cross at the feet of substitute Rauno Sappinen for the easiest of tap-ins.
Italy host Israel on Tuesday where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically catch Norway on points, the Norwegians’ far superior goal difference means a playoff spot likely beckons for Gattuso’s side.
“There are many positive things, we have to follow our own path,” Gattuso told Sky.
“We’re not thinking about Norway or Israel. We know what we have to do and we hold on to the good we’ve done.”


UAE move closer to World Cup as late goals seal win over Oman

UAE move closer to World Cup as late goals seal win over Oman
Updated 11 October 2025

UAE move closer to World Cup as late goals seal win over Oman

UAE move closer to World Cup as late goals seal win over Oman
  • Caio Lucas hit the fortuitous winner seven minutes from time
  • The win moves the UAE to the cusp of their first appearance at the World Cup since 1990

DOHA: The United Arab Emirates struck late goals through Marcus Meloni and Caio Lucas to earn a 2-1 win over Oman in Doha on Saturday as Cosmin Olaroiu’s side battled back to keep their hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup alive.
Caio Lucas hit the fortuitous winner seven minutes from time after Meloni scored with a 76th minute header to cancel out an own goal by Kouame Kouadio that gave Oman a 12th minute lead.
The win moves the UAE to the cusp of their first appearance at the World Cup since 1990 with Olaroiu’s team only needing a draw away to Qatar on Tuesday to progress as winners of Group A in the fourth phase of Asia’s preliminaries.


The Omanis threatened in the early exchanges when Issam Al-Sabhi stole possession inside the UAE half only for the attack to fizzle out when his shot was eventually blocked. But it was not long before Carlos Queiroz’s side had taken the lead.
Ali Al-Busaidi’s cross from the left flew across the area to the feet of Amjad Al-Harthi whose shot took a deflection off Kouadio’s heel to beat goalkeeper Khalid Eissa low to his left.
Harib Abdalla’s introduction at the start of the second half injected much-needed urgency into the UAE attack, the forward twice calling keeper Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini into action.
With 14 minutes remaining the UAE deservedly pulled level, Meloni rising highest to meet substitute Ali Saleh’s inswinging cross from the left to beat Al-Mukhaini.
Seven minutes later Caio Lucas scored the winner, sending in a cross from the left that swung toward goal, bouncing on the turf inside the six-yard box and skipping beyond the keeper to earn UAE all three points.
The loss ends Oman’s hopes of automatic qualification but the Gulf state could still advance to another round of playoffs if the UAE defeat the Qataris by a large enough margin.
Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan and Jordan have already taken six of Asia’s eight guaranteed spots at next year’s 48-team World Cup.


Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick

Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick
Updated 11 October 2025

Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick

Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick
  • Norway have now won all six of their Group I matches, boasting a goal difference of plus 26
  • Haaland marked a special milestone by netting his 50th goal for Norway

OSLO: Norway secured a commanding 5-0 win at home to Israel in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, as Erling Haaland struck a hat-trick to celebrate his 50th international goal and helped move his side to the brink of a place at next year’s tournament.
Norway had tightened security ahead of the match due to scheduled protests, closing off the stands around a section of roughly 100 Israel supporters waving national flags.
Norwegian fans are divided over Israel’s participation in the World Cup qualifying competition due to the war in Gaza.
Norway have now won all six of their Group I matches, boasting a goal difference of plus 26 ahead of their remaining two fixtures against Estonia and second-placed Italy, who sit nine points behind with two games in hand.
Despite missing a twice-taken penalty early on, Haaland found his rhythm, scoring once in the first half and twice after the break to reach his 50-goal milestone and finishing the night with an incredible 51 in 46 internationals.
Israel added to their own misery with two own goals in the first half from Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias.

HIGH SECURITY

Ahead of Saturday’s game, hundreds of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered to protest outside the Norwegian parliament, with many wearing the jerseys of the Palestine national team.
Marching toward Ullevaal Stadium with Palestinian flags and flares, the protesters gathered outside, vowing to continue until kickoff as nearby buildings displayed pro-Palestinian banners hanging from balconies.
As Israel’s anthem played, loud boos echoed around the stadium, while large Palestinian flags and a banner reading “Let children live” were displayed in the stands.
On the pitch, Haaland came close to scoring early on when Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz showcased his brilliance. First, he produced a sharp reflex save, then denied Haaland from the penalty spot twice after the kick was ordered to be retaken.
The match was briefly halted when a pitch invader ran onto the field, capping off a chaotic opening 10 minutes.
Relief finally came for the home fans in the 18th when Alexander Sorloth broke down the flank and sent in a low cross that deflected off Israel forward Khalaili and looped into the net, giving the Norwegians a deserved lead.
In the 27th minute Haaland made up for his penalty miss and doubled the lead after a through pass from Sorloth.
A minute later Norway went three goals up as a panicked clearance from Peretz struck his defender Nachmias and rolled into the net for Israel’s second own goal of the match.

HAALAND REACHES FIFTY-GOALS MILESTONE
In the second half, Haaland marked a special milestone by netting his 50th goal for Norway, heading in Antonio Nusa’s cross in the 63rd. Nine minutes later an almost identical move saw Haaland score again to complete his hat-trick and seal a memorable night for the Manchester City striker.
The home fans stayed behind after the match, singing ‘Norway will go to the World Cup’ to the tune of Twisted Sister’s ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It,’ as they celebrated in the belief that the long wait since 1998 to reach the finals again is nearly over.
“We still have two matches left to go. It’s great to execute such a solid game today,” Nusa told TV2. “We just have to enjoy it. There’s still a lot of work to do but I’m just enjoying it.”