F1 track revealed for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah
Formula One and Saudi Arabia have released the details of the Jeddah Street Circuit that will be the host of the inaugural Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021.
The sport announced last year that it would add Saudi Arabia to its calendar in 2021 with the country’s second biggest city Jeddah playing host to the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The race will take place on the 5th of December 2021.
The street circuit has been designed with the collaboration of Hermann Tilke and the Formula 1 Motorsport team under Ross Brawn.
Located in the Corniche area on the Red Sea, approximately 12km geographically north of Jeddah's centre, the circuit will be 6.175km long, the second longest on the Formula 1 calendar, after Spa Francorchamps at 7.004km. The big difference is that, unlike Spa, the Jeddah Street Circuit has very few changes in gradient, lying largely flat as it skirts the coast.
The track is set to become the second fastest circuit on the F1 calendar with an estimated average speed of 252.8km/h. Currently, Italy’s Monza is the fastest track with an average speed of 264.km/h with Great Britain’s Silverstone circuit occupying the second spot with 251.6km/h.
The simulated speed at Jeddah is due to make the track the fastest street circuit ever. Currently, Australia’s Albert Park is the quickest with an 237.2km/h, followed by the Baku Street Circuit, the Marina Bay Street Circuit and Monaco.
The circuit will have 27 corners and has the potential for 3 DRS detections zones, increasing the ability to overtake and close-up on cars in front.
“It’s always very exciting to release the details of a new circuit and the Jeddah Street Circuit is no exception,” said Ross Brawn, Formula 1 Managing Director, Motorsport.
“We have worked 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 track in December.”
HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile & Motorsport Federation (SAMF) 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 (Formula 1).
„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,” he concluded.
