This weekend marks an exciting opportunity for motorsport fans as Formula 2 and the F1 Academy will unite for a thrilling race weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This event, part of the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, signifies a unique occasion where these two feeder series will compete simultaneously for the first time this year. Joining them are the French and Chinese F4 series, both of which will kick off their respective seasons during this exhilarating weekend.
Formula 2: Third Round at Jeddah
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for being one of the fastest street circuits globally, will host the third round of the Formula 2 championship. The circuit spans 6.174 kilometers and promises high-speed action as drivers navigate its challenging layout.
Schedule (Local Times – UTC+3)
Friday, April 18
- 12:55 – 13:40: Practice
- 18:00 – 18:30: Qualifying
Saturday, April 19
- 18:15 – 19:05: Sprint Race (20 laps)
- Sunday, April 20
- 16:25 – 17:30: Feature Race (28 laps)
Fans can catch all the action through live streaming on F1 TV and follow live updates via the series’ timing service. Local viewing options are available for those who wish to engage more directly with the events.
The weather is expected to be dry and sunny throughout the weekend, with temperatures peaking at 35°C.
As the drivers prepare for this round, Leonardo Fornaroli leads the championship standings, having accumulated 26 points. He is closely followed by Alex Dunne and Luke Browning, who are tied at 25 points each. The last round in Bahrain saw Dunne clinch victory in the feature race, adding to the excitement as competitors aim to gain an edge in Jeddah. Victor Martins, another noteworthy contender, is anticipated to perform well, especially considering his notable qualifying performance last season.
In the team standings, Hitech currently holds the top position with 37 points, followed closely by Campos at 31 points. Meanwhile, DAMS and Trident have yet to score any points this season. After the Jeddah race, Formula 2 will enter a four-week hiatus before heading to Imola for the European leg of the season.
F1 Academy: Second Round in Jeddah
Simultaneously, the F1 Academy will also take to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for its second round. This series aims to provide a platform for aspiring female racers, and it has generated significant attention.
Schedule (Local Times – UTC+3)
Friday, April 18
- 14:05 – 14:45: Free Practice
- 21:30 – 22:00: Qualifying
Saturday, April 19
- 15:20 – 15:55: Race 1 (13 laps)
- Sunday, April 20
- 15:05 – 15:40: Race 2 (13 laps)
Fans can follow the races via live timing on the F1 Academy website, with additional streaming options available on F1 TV and the series’ social media platforms.
Doriane Pin of Prema currently leads the F1 Academy standings with 31 points, closely followed by Maya Weug from MP with 26 points and Chloe Chambers from Campos with 24 points. Pin has demonstrated her prowess by winning the feature race in Shanghai, and she carries the momentum into Jeddah, where she is a previous race winner.
This weekend’s wildcard entry is Farah Al-Yousef, who will represent Saudi Arabia at the Formula Woman Nations Cup Finals. Al-Yousef has experience in F4 Middle East, where she aims to leverage her skills in this prestigious series.
French F4: Season Opener at Nogaro
In France, the French F4 series kicks off its 2025 season at the Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro. This event is part of the traditional Coupes de Pâques, and it promises to deliver exciting racing with a record grid of 30 drivers.
Schedule (Local Times – UTC+2)
Friday, April 18
- 09:15 – 09:40: Private Practice 1
- 11:05 – 11:30: Private Practice 2
- 14:00 – 14:25: Private Practice 3
- 16:15 – 16:40: Private Practice 4
- 18:00 – 18:25: Private Practice 5
Saturday, April 19
- 08:55 – 09:25: Free Practice
- 15:00 – 15:30: Qualifying
Sunday, April 20
- 10:35 – 11:05: Race 1 (30 minutes)
- 16:20 – 16:50: Race 2 (30 minutes)
- Monday, April 21
- 11:10 – 11:40: Race 3 (30 minutes)
Fans can catch the action for Races 2 and 3 streamed live on YouTube, while the entire weekend’s events can be tracked on its-live.net.
The weather forecast indicates partly cloudy skies on Friday, with rain expected on Saturday, potentially affecting the qualifying and race conditions.
Historically, the driver who secures pole position in the opening round often goes on to win the championship. This trend adds an extra layer of excitement as competitors vie for the prestigious title. The standout drivers to watch include Jules Roussel and Malo Bolliet, who made a strong impression during pre-season testing.
Chinese F4: Opening Round in Ningbo
The Chinese F4 series will also launch its 11th season this weekend at the Ningbo International Circuit.
Schedule (Local Times – UTC+8)
Friday, April 18
- 09:50 – 10:20: Free Practice 1
- 10:50 – 11:20: Free Practice 2
- 14:20 – 14:40: Qualifying 1
- 15:00 – 15:20: Qualifying 2
Saturday, April 19
- 09:45 – 10:25: Race 1
- 13:55 – 14:35: Race 2
- Sunday, April 20
- 10:55 – 11:35: Race 3
- 15:45 – 16:25: Race 4
Fans can follow the action with live timing on timing.orbits.cn, with races streamed on the series’ Weibo and Bilibili accounts.
The season opener will feature 24 drivers, including the returning competitor Wang Yuzhe, who finished fifth in the last championship. The reigning team champions, Black Blade Racing, will be fielding a new lineup this season, including Liu Zexuan and Chen Sicong.
As all these thrilling events unfold, motorsport enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable weekend filled with competitive racing across multiple series. Each event promises to showcase emerging talent and seasoned drivers alike, creating an electrifying atmosphere for fans and competitors. Be sure to stay tuned for live updates and results as these promising young drivers take to the circuits around the world.
