Qiddiya City to Host Inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in October

Qiddiya City to Host Inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in October
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Qiddiya City to Host Inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in October

Qiddiya City to Host Inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in October

The FIA Extreme H World Cup, the world’s first hydrogen-powered motorsport, confirmed Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia as the host location for its first event, taking place from October 9 to 11, 2025.

The race will take place with the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, close to the site, which is currently undergoing transformation to become a world-leading motorsport venue, according to SPA.

Extreme H’s inaugural event in Qiddiya City marks a major milestone in its evolution and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s bold motorsport ambitions. The racing will take place in a specially designed off-road location. It will form part of Qiddiya City’s broader vision to become a global hub for motorsport, innovation, and entertainment.

At the heart of this vision is the newly unveiled Speed Park Track, a cutting-edge circuit. The track symbolises Qiddiya City’s commitment to world-class motorsport, with dramatic elevation changes, iconic features like the 20-storey “Blade” turn, and integration with entertainment landmarks such as its new Six Flags Theme Park and Aquarabia.

The FIA Extreme H World Cup and Qiddiya City share a joint vision when it comes to sustainability standards, making the city an ideal location for Extreme H’s mission to deliver purpose-driven sport and clean mobility solutions.

The city aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060, with initiatives that include 100% wastewater reuse, renewable energy infrastructure, and EV charging in 80% of parking spaces.

A major tree planting focus is also central to plans, as part of the city’s commitment to the Saudi Green Initiative, which has a broader national goal of planting 10 billion trees in Saudi Arabia by 2030 to combat desertification, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity.

Racing will kick off with the ‘final fling’ Extreme E Desert X Prix, taking place on October 4 and 5, providing an official conclusion to the previous championship. The baton will then be handed over to start Extreme H on October 9-11.

Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company Abdullah AlDawood said: “Qiddiya City is envisioned not just as a destination for play, but as an example of contemporary, sustainable urban planning and design. Hosting the inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup underscores our commitment to showcasing sustainable motorsport while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for future-focused experiences.”

For his part, founder and Chairman of Extreme H Alejandro Agag said: “Qiddiya City is the ideal launchpad for the FIA Extreme H World Cup, a new frontier for motorsport that embodies purpose, innovation and entertainment. More than just a race venue, it is a statement of intent. A visually stunning, technologically ambitious location that sets the tone for a new era of motorsport. We are proud to showcase the power of hydrogen and sustainable technology.”

CEO of Saudi Motorsport Company Eng. Mansour Almokbel said: “Hosting the Final Lap of Extreme E in Saudi Arabia marks a powerful moment; celebrating five years of innovation, impact, and truly boundary-pushing racing. This series has redefined sustainable motorsport, captured global attention, and showcased our stunning landscapes to millions around the world.

As we mark this finale, our focus is firmly on the future. The launch of Extreme H marks the next bold chapter in racing, and Saudi Arabia is proud to play a central role in shaping the sport's future direction. These milestone events reflect our ambition to be a global home for pioneering motorsport, driving progress, sustainability, and the spirit of innovation.”

Further details on the sporting format, teams, drivers and partners, will be revealed over the coming weeks as the event countdown continues at pace.



Kompany: Bayern Are Close to their Best Despite Consecutive Draws coach

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany gives a press conference after the UEFA Champions League football match between Viking FK and FC Bayern Munich in Stavanger, Norway on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Carina Johansen / NTB / AFP)
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany gives a press conference after the UEFA Champions League football match between Viking FK and FC Bayern Munich in Stavanger, Norway on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Carina Johansen / NTB / AFP)
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Kompany: Bayern Are Close to their Best Despite Consecutive Draws coach

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany gives a press conference after the UEFA Champions League football match between Viking FK and FC Bayern Munich in Stavanger, Norway on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Carina Johansen / NTB / AFP)
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany gives a press conference after the UEFA Champions League football match between Viking FK and FC Bayern Munich in Stavanger, Norway on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Carina Johansen / NTB / AFP)

Bayern Munich are edging closer to their very best despite drawing their last two matches, coach Vincent Kompany said on Friday.

The German champions, who take on visitors RB Leipzig on Saturday, have drawn their last two matches in all competitions – a 2-2 against Augsburg that included conceding the fastest goal in Bundesliga history, followed by a 3-3 at rank outsiders Viking in the Champions League on Tuesday.

They looked far from convincing in both matches, missing chances and looking shaky at the back, and having ⁠to come from ⁠behind both times to rescue draws.

They are currently in third spot in the Bundesliga, two points behind leaders Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund.

"We want to attack," Kompany told a press conference. "We have the feeling that there are a lot of things behind the perception of ⁠these two results. I have the feeling it is just before we show our very best version.

"In the last two matches we shot 50 times on goal. If we do a few things better then we are not too far from our very best version."

Bayern have busy weeks coming up and after Leipzig – they face Arsenal in the Champions League before taking on leaders Freiburg in the Bundesliga. They then host Dortmund in ⁠Der ⁠Klassiker on October 31 after a German Cup second-round match against Magdeburg.

"These moments that some people think might be difficult we say these are the best moments you can have in your career. If you win these matches then you have created some moments," Reuters quoted Kompany as saying.

"We are sharp and motivated... we look forward to these matches to measure ourselves against the best.

"The lads reach the limit in every training session and it is fun to watch. They know it is now best to talk on the pitch."


Chelsea Captain Reece James Undergoes Knee Surgery

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - September 6, 2026 Chelsea's Reece James applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - September 6, 2026 Chelsea's Reece James applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
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Chelsea Captain Reece James Undergoes Knee Surgery

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - September 6, 2026 Chelsea's Reece James applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - September 6, 2026 Chelsea's Reece James applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Chelsea captain Reece James has undergone knee surgery, the Premier League club said Friday.

Chelsea described the procedure as minor, but did not confirm the precise nature of the injury, which was sustained during a training session.

England defender James has endured a slew of injuries involving his knee and hamstring. A hamstring problem ruled him out of part of the 2026 World Cup.

Chelsea did not say how long it would take before the 26-year-old James would be back in action, The Associated Press reported.

“Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club’s medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase,” it said in a statement. “Everyone at Chelsea wishes Reece a speedy recovery and will support him on his road to return.”

Chelsea, which is sixth in the league, travels to Everton on Saturday.


Elina Svitolina Loses to Resurgent British player Sonay Kartal at Wuhan Open

Tennis - WTA 1000 - Wuhan Open - Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, China - October 16, 2026 Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in action during her quarter final match against Britain's Sonay Kartal REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Tennis - WTA 1000 - Wuhan Open - Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, China - October 16, 2026 Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in action during her quarter final match against Britain's Sonay Kartal REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
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Elina Svitolina Loses to Resurgent British player Sonay Kartal at Wuhan Open

Tennis - WTA 1000 - Wuhan Open - Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, China - October 16, 2026 Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in action during her quarter final match against Britain's Sonay Kartal REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Tennis - WTA 1000 - Wuhan Open - Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, China - October 16, 2026 Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in action during her quarter final match against Britain's Sonay Kartal REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina is out of the Wuhan Open after losing 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 to resurgent British player Sonay Kartal in the quarterfinals Friday, The Associated Press reported.

The No. 170-ranked old Kartal, who missed more than six months with a stress fracture in her back, has won six of her eight matches since returning to the elite tour. She beat two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini to reach the quarterfinals in Wuhan after defeating ninth-seeded Belinda Bencic, the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, in the second round.

Kartal, who broke Svitolina's serve in the last game to clinch the match, reached a career-high No. 44 ranking in July of last year. Svitolina lost in the quarterfinals at the China Open last week to eventual champion Zheng Qinwen.

Kartal advanced to a semifinal against 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, who beat 11th-seeded Diana Shnaider 7-6 (6), 6-1.

Seventh-seeded Iga Swiatek was scheduled to play a quarterfinal later Friday against American Ann Li, who upset top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the second round.

The winner of that match will face either Maria Sakkari or Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals.