Kolkata: Jeddah Street Circuit, which will host the inaugural Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 from December 3-5, will offer a unique setting as the 6.175km course will run though the corniche area on the Red Sea and primises to be the ‘‘second longest’’ course on the F1 calendar this year after Spa Francorchamps at 7.004km. Details of the course were released on Thursday.
The circuit has been designed in collaboration with Tilke GmbH & Co. KG and the Formula 1 Motorsport team under Ross Brawn to ensure exciting racing for our fans and the drivers.
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. The average speeds are estimated, in simulation, to be around 250 km/h and the fast-flowing layout with high speed esses and chicanes, as well as long full throttle sections, will make it the fastest street circuit in Formula 1 as well as one of the fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, with Monza the fastest at 264.4 km/h.
Ross Brawn, Director of Formula 1 Motorsport, 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.”
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, President of the local hosting body Saudi Automobile & Motorsport Federation (SAMF) 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, 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.”
Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of hosting a series of marquee international sports events in recent years - be it the Saudi Cup horseracing, international golf or heavyweight boxing bouts. Meanwhile, the 2021 F1 calendar, boasting of an unprecedented 23 races, is at all systems go at the Sakhir GP circuit in Bahrain on March 28.
