The Formula 1 motor-racing series has today (Thursday) unveiled the circuit for its first-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix later this year.
The Jeddah Street Circuit will feature 27 corners and the potential for three DRS detection zones. Average speeds are estimated to be around 250km/h, making it the fastest street circuit on the calendar and one of the fastest overall.
The circuit has been designed in close collaboration with leading racetrack architect Tilke and the Formula 1 Motorsport team under Ross Brawn. The circuit will be located in the Corniche area on the Red Sea, around 12km north of Jeddah’s centre.
At 6.175km, the circuit will be the second longest on the F1 calendar after Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps (7.004km). The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will take place on December 5.
F1 confirmed in November that it would race in Saudi Arabia for the first time this year in what will mark the country’s biggest ever sporting event.
Brawn said: “It’s always very exciting to release the details of a new circuit and the Saudi Arabia Street Circuit is no exception. We have worked very closely with the team at Tilke and with the promoter to ensure we have a track that provides exciting wheel-to-wheel racing for our fans and challenges all of the drivers.
“The design brings out the best of a modern street circuit but also has fast paced free flowing areas that will create fast speeds and overtaking opportunities. The setting is incredible, on the Red Sea, and we can’t wait to see the cars on the track in December.”
HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, president of the Saudi Automobile & Motorsport Federation, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming motorsport fans to Saudi Arabia. Next December will be a huge moment, when we host the biggest event in motorsports.
“This is a continuation of the endless support that sports in general, and motorsport in particular, is receiving from His Royal Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
“Even though this is the first time we will host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, delivering such important international events is further confirmation of the Kingdom’s ability to manage and organise these events to the highest standards for our fans and growing young population.”
The 2021 F1 season begins in Bahrain on March 28.
Image: Formula 1
Share this