Jeddah Street Circuit

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit emerged as Saudi Arabia's entry into Formula One racing, with its first Grand Prix held in December 2021. Located 12km north of Jeddah's city center along the Red Sea, the circuit was designed by Carsten Tilke in collaboration with Formula 1's Motorsport team, creating a unique street circuit that prioritizes speed and flowing corners.

Circuit Characteristics

At 6.174 kilometers, it stands as the third-longest track on the Formula One calendar, behind only Spa-Francorchamps and Las Vegas Strip Circuit. What sets Jeddah apart is its distinction as Formula One's fastest street circuit, featuring 27 corners and three consecutive DRS zones. The track winds through the Corniche area, offering spectacular views of the Red Sea and surrounding lagoons.

Construction and Challenges

The circuit's construction was an impressive feat, completed in just eight months before its inaugural race. The project involved 3,000 contractors from 50 different countries, utilizing 37,000 tons of asphalt, 600,000 tons of cement, and various other materials to create both the track and its facilities, including seven grandstands.

Safety Considerations

Following its debut race, which highlighted several safety concerns, the circuit underwent modifications to improve driver sight lines. Changes included adjusting barriers at various corners and implementing smoother surfaces at certain apex points. Despite these improvements, some drivers continue to regard it as one of the more challenging and potentially dangerous circuits on the calendar.

Events and Evolution

Beyond Formula One, the circuit hosts various motorsport events, including Formula 2, F1 Academy, and GT World Challenge Europe. In 2022, a shorter 3.450-kilometer configuration was introduced for the World Touring Car Cup, demonstrating the circuit's versatility and adaptability to different racing formats.

Racing Experience

The circuit offers a unique combination of high-speed straights and flowing corners, making it one of the most demanding venues in motorsport. Racing under floodlights adds to the spectacle, though the track's narrow confines and high speeds require exceptional precision and courage from drivers.