The fastest street circuit in the history of Formula 1 was officially presented to the world this Thursday. Located in the coastal city of Jeddah, it will host the first edition of the Saudi Arabian GP and penultimate round on the 2021 World Championship calendar, which will be held from 3 to 5 of December. 

Jeddah is 6,175 km long, which makes it one of the second-longest tracks on the calendar behind Spa (Belgium), as well as one of the fastest. Computer simulations, in fact, predict an average speed of over 250 km/h. 

That is not Jeddah’s only record-breaking stat; its 27 corners make it the most winding circuit of all, beating Marina Bay (Singapore) and Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi) with 21 and 23 turns, respectively. 

Located 12 km north of Yeda’s town centre in the spectacular area of the ‘Corniche’, the route winds along the Red Sea coast as well as several of the lagoons located in its imposing region. To make things even more spectacular, the track will be illuminated by powerful floodlights to accompany the moonlight. 

Jeddah has been designed by Formula One cult architect Herman Tilke in association with an F1 technical team led by Ross Brawn and it is not dissimilar to other existent street tracks as it can be appreciated by the use of very long avenues along the route. 
 

F1 CEO Ross Brawn, excited about the new circuit 

Following a clear strategy to expand the sport to other Middle Eastern countries, Formula 1 executives have opted for this new location in Saudi Arabia. F1’s top managing director Ross Brawn has in fact been enthusiastically involved in the development of the route along the Red Sea coast. 

It was thus not surprising to see the British engineer utterly delighted during the (virtual) launch which took place at the headquarters of the urban racetrack in Jeddah. 

“It’s always very exciting to release the details of a new circuit and the Jeddah Street Circuit is no exception,” said Ross Brawn, Formula 1 Managing Director & former Ferrari team manager.

“We have worked 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 track in December.”

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HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile & Motorsport Federation (SAMF) 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 (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.”

Images: F1.com.