Cumbrian driver Oliver Turvey returns to action when the Formula E world championship gets under way in Saudi Arabia this weekend.

The Penrith racer will be involved in the 2022 Diriyah E-Prix as season eight of the ABB FIA championship begins.

Things get under way with a double-header of night races around the desert.

It will also see NIO333 driver Turvey, 34, involved in a new qualifying format, which sees two groups of 11 drivers, ordered based on their Championship position, setting lap times in a ten-minute session.

The fastest four from each then progress into the knockout ‘duel’ stage, with the fastest driver or duel winner progressing until the final two are determined, and the winning driver in the final taking pole.

Turvey said: “I can’t wait to get Season 8 of Formula E started in Diriyah. “It’s a fantastic track, a real challenge with the fast, undulating, sweeping corners, and it is spectacular to race under the lights.

“The new knockout qualifying format will be challenging and exciting as will the increased power in the races.

“I feel we made some progress during the Valencia test so after scoring points in both races last season I hope we can go a step better this year.

“I have been training hard, staying sharp in the simulator, keeping competitive in other sports, so am feeling ready for the challenge to fight for the team.”

The double-header is being shown on Channel 4, with live coverage of the second race on Saturday being broadcast live from 4.30pm UK time.