RIYADH: Circuit details for the inaugural Ƶn Formula 1 Grand Prix have been revealed.
The Kingdom is hosting the penultimate round of this year’s F1 races along the Jeddah corniche overlooking the Red Sea on Dec. 3-5.
The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile said the track would be 6.175 km, making it the second longest F1 circuit after Belgium’s Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
: and unveil the layout for the circuit on Jeddah's corniche, which will be the fastest street track on the calendar
— Arab News (@arabnews)
The Jeddah circuit is also the fastest with 27 turns, and the average speed may reach at least 250 kmph with a top speed of 322 kmph, the federations added.
The upcoming race will be held at night under floodlights, similar to what was seen recently in the Formula E 2021 race held in Diriyah last month.
Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said the Kingdom’s ability to host an international race the size of F1 for the first time was an extension of the great support and attention that the sports sector received from the Saudi leadership, and the “large and prominent role” of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“With this great support, we are always keen to organize such events with the highest international quality standards,” the minister said. “This is what we will strive to achieve when building and designing this circuit, which will be the second longest car-racing circuit in the world. This is what inspires us to continue to work diligently to achieve the aspirations of our leadership and our people, and to be at the forefront of these international sporting events.”
Experience all of Jeddah's ultrafast corners
— Formula 1 (@F1)
SAMF president, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Faisal, said motorsports fans in the Kingdom would once again get to experience another global racing event.
Ross Brawn, F1’s managing director, said it was always exciting to reveal details of a new circuit, and that the Jeddah circuit had been worked on to ensure it provided a professional race for drivers and highlighted the best design in modern street racing circuits.
How Jeddah Street Circuit could look when we visit in December
— Formula 1 (@F1)
He also said the course had fast-paced free flowing areas for drivers to increase their speed and overtaking opportunities, in addition to its stunning location on the Red Sea coast.
“We are definitely waiting for this race, and for the world to see the details of the circuit on the ground in Ƶ.”
The 2021 calendar for F1 begins on March 28 with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
