F1 unveil Saudi Arabia street circuit design

Saudi Arabia street track — Photo: © LAT Images

Formula 1

F1 unveil Saudi Arabia street circuit design

The race is scheduled for December 3-5

Ian Parkes

Thursday 18 March 2021 10:08 Updated: 10:25

Formula 1 has unveiled its design for the Saudi Arabia street track that is due to host its debut race later this year.

The December 3-5 event is to be staged in the port city of Jeddah, along the banks of the Red Sea and the city's corniche, with the circuit incorporating 27 corners.

With an average speed of 250kph, the Hermann Tilke-designed track makes it the fastest street venue in F1, and one of the fastest in the sport as Monza averages at 264.4kph.

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At 6.175km, it will be the second-longest track in F1 after Spa-Francorchamps at 7.004km, and will have the potential for three DRS zones.

F1 managing director motorsport Ross 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.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the event given the abysmal human rights record in Saudi Arabia, F1 recently announced the race would be on the calendar for at least the next 10 years.

It is anticipated that from 2023 onwards the race will take place at a permanent facility in Qiddiya.

Welcome to the fastest street circuit in #F1.

📈 Average speeds of 250km/h+
↪️ 27 corners
🌊 Stunning Red Sea backdrop

This is Jeddah. This is the #SaudiArabianGP. pic.twitter.com/6jD37ZkEkp
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2021

HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, president of the Saudi Automobile & Motorsport Federation said: “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, 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.”

You can watch an on-board simulation of the track here...

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.watch-onboard-lap-saudi-arabia-jeddah-street-circuit.510sgifKIWp5SrqbvQrSER.html