F1 reveals first look at Saudi Arabia Jeddah street circuit
Overtaking could be difficult as Saudi Arabia's Jeddah street circuit is revealed ahead of the F1 race in December
F1 has revealed a first-look at the new Saudi street circuit
@F1
Formula 1 has revealed the first details of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix circuit set to host its inaugural race in December this year.
The street circuit in Jeddah features more corners than any other circuit on the calendar, an average lap speed of 250km/h and has been designed in a collaboration between Herman Tilke’s Tilke GmbH & Co. KG and the Formula 1 group.
Located on the Corniche area on the Red Sea, at 6.175km long, it is the second-longest of the season after Spa-Francorchamps, with 27 turns and potentially three DRS zones. It will also take the title of fastest street circuit on the calendar, previously belonging to the Baku City Street Circuit in Azerbaijan.
The Jeddah street circuit is a temporary venue while a purpose-built circuit is developed. Last year, F1 confirmed that it was working closely with organisers to create a circuit that produces the best-possible on-track action through the use of computer simulation and data-driven modelling.
How Jeddah Street Circuit could look when we visit in December 🌇 pic.twitter.com/9vJs9JERFq
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2021
With minimal braking zones, overtaking could prove tricky around the streets but with an additional DRS zone featuring, it could help alleviate the potential issue.
F1’s managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn said that the new track would provide exciting racing and was designed to be challenging to the drivers.
“It’s always very exciting to release the details of a new circuit and the Saudi Arabia Street Circuit is no exception,” he said.
“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.”
Saudi Arabia is set to host the penultimate round of the 2012 F1 season from December 3-5.