Saudi Arabian and Formula One officials have released the first details of the street circuit in Jeddah that will stage the Kingdom's first F1 Grand Prix in December, claiming that the track on the banks of the Red Sea will be the fastest street layout in the sport's history.
The Jeddah Street Circuit that will host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix later this year will feature 27 corners and will allow average speeds of around 250km/h and, with a length of 6.175 kilometres, the circuit will be the second longest on the F1 calendar after Belgium’s Spa- Francorchamps.
The circuit, located in Jeddah’s Corniche area, around 12 kilometres north of the city centre, has been designed in close collaboration with leading racetrack architect Tilke and the Formula 1 Motorsport team.
Introducing the circuit design, F1 Managing Director of Motorsport, Ross Brawn stated “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 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.”
“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 will become F1's third race in the Middle East after Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. The event will be the new season's penultimate round, a week before Abu Dhabi, from 3rd to 5th December.
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.
F1 has also announced the Portuguese Grand Prix as the third race of the season, completing its revised 23-race calendar.
The Portuguese race will be held on 2nd May, the date originally filled by the Chinese Grand Prix.
The season starts on 28th March with the Bahrain Grand Prix, which replaced the traditional season opener in Melbourne.
However, while the Australian Grand Prix has been rescheduled to the latter end of the calendar it now appears that the Chinese Grand Prix will not be held for the second year in a row.
Images: Concept for the Jeddah Street Circuit. Credit: Formula 1.
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Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia and New Zealand’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry. Having established the magazine in 1997, shortly after his relocation to Australia, he has managed its readership rising to over 11,500 and its acceptance as the industry journal for professionals in aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues.
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