Formula One unveiled its “fastest ever street track” as it gave fans a glimpse at the highly anticipated Jeddah Street Circuit in Saudi Arabia.
Running to 6.175km with 27 corners, the Jeddah Street Circuit will be the second-longest on the F1 calendar and one of the fastest too, with an average speed of over 250km/h (155mph) predicted in race simulations, an F1 statement said.
The track is located just north of the Kingdom's capital city of Jeddah, boasting three potential DRS zones and an evening start time, F1 bosses hope it should produce spectacular racing under floodlights in a similar vein to the night races of Singapore and Bahrain.
The street circuit was developed with close collaboration between race track designers Tilke Engineers & Architects – who also designed Vietnam's never-used Hanoi street track – and the Formula 1 Motorsport team led by Ross Brawn. The high-speed layout is atypical of many street circuits in that it utilises existing roads as much as possible yet remains fast-flowing in character.
“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, Motorsport.
“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,” Brawn added.
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).
“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,” he added.
However, Saudi Arabia has proven to be a controversial choice as a Grand Prix host.
Amnesty International spoke out against the proposed race back in October 2020 and the “sportwashing” of the Kingdom's questionable human rights reputation.
“Formula 1 should realise that a Saudi Grand Prix in 2021 would be part of ongoing efforts to sportswash the country's abysmal human rights record,” said Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK's head of campaigns.
“Despite the fanfare over Saudi women finally being allowed to drive a car without being arrested, the authorities have recently locked up and tortured several leading women's rights activists – including Loujain al-Hathloul and Nassima al-Sada.
“If a Saudi Grand Prix goes ahead, at the very least F1 should insist that all contracts contain stringent labour standards across all supply chains, and that all race events are open to everyone without discrimination,” Jakens said.
Jakens also had some strong words of advice for the multiple stakeholders involved in the Saudi Arabian GP, saying: “In the lead-up to a race in Jeddah, we would urge all F1 drivers, owners and teams to consider speaking out about the human rights situation in the country, including by expressing solidarity with jailed human rights defenders.”
Regarding the controversial venue, an F1 spokesperson told Autosport in 2020: “For decades F1 has worked hard to be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social, and cultural benefits.
“Sports like F1 are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition and achievement.
“We take our responsibilities very seriously and have made our position on human rights and other issues clear to all our partners and host countries who commit to respect these rights in the way their events are hosted and delivered.”
The 2021 Formula One season is due to get underway in Bahrain on March 26-28.
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Keyword: Fastest ever F1 street circuit revealed for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah