Image Credit: Official Saudi Arabian GP webpage
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is finally nearing completion with construction going down tot he wore as the organisers have announced that it will be completed just two weeks before the year-end penultimate race of the Formula One World Championship racing competition to be held at Jeddah on December 5, 2021.
One of the longest street circuits at 6.175km per lap, it is predicted to be high-speed, reaching up to 322 km/h in some turns and is set on the banks of the Red Sea. Doubts over construction have been allayed by the release of track pictures which show that the Hermann Tilke-designed circuit in complete with most of the construction on the surrounding areas. A copy of the track has already been tested on simulators earlier this year.
The track itself boasts of 27 corners (16 to the left and 11 to the right), and 3 DRS zones for maximum overtaking capability. Narrow straights and blind turns have also added to the excitement although the lack of runoff area and the confined perimeters of the circuit have also raised fears of safety concerns in the event of a crash or Safety Car situation, necessitating track cleaning.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be the fifth 'night race' in the F1 calendar. Authorities have said the track took 37,000 tons of asphalt 600,000 tons of cement, 30,000 square metres of bricks and 1,400 tons of glass. Seven grandstands will overlook the circuit and the track is fully illuminated to allow the race to take place after nightfall.
Architects and engineers are also expanding the Corniche boardwalk to house extra activities and areas for guests to relax and enjoy themselves as part of race weekend activities. Walkways, cycling paths and playgrounds will be part of the attractions. The promoter worked with 3,000 on-site contractors from approximately 50 companies. While many of these partners are Saudi Arabian, the event organizers also used suppliers from Germany, Austria, the UK, Spain and Italy.