JEDDAH: With just two weeks to go until the long-awaited debut of the Formula One STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (SAGP), the world’s fastest and longest street track, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, is set to be completed in the coming days.
Work on the track only began last April — no F1 circuit has been constructed so quickly, which is a testament to the dedication of the Saudi Grand Prix’s workforce, who have been striving to deliver the racetrack on time.
The completion of the circuit was accomplished under the strictest health and safety conditions, with millions of man-hours of work taking place on site with no serious incidents. All work was carried out according to Saudi Arabian Labour Laws, guaranteeing the protection of the rights of workers on-site, including the limiting of working hours in direct sunlight. All workers were required to participate in the ATLAS safety induction programme.
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.
Developed in partnership with Tilke Engineers and F1’s own Motorsports Division, the circuit’s design has made strong use of the long, sweeping roads along the Corniche area, utilizing this feature and existing roads as much as possible, resulting in one of the most challenging circuits to feature in Formula One.
The circuit includes a record number of corners (27 in total: 16 left and 11 right), in addition to three potential high-speed DRS sections and a 12-degree banked corner at Turn 13. The race will be staged under lights at night, setting the stage for a special atmosphere in Jeddah when the pinnacle of motorsport arrives in Saudi Arabia.
With the countdown now on until the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, here is list of key facts and figures that relate to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is 6,175 km long, making it the second longest circuit on the calendar after Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the longest street track in Formula One
Average speeds of 252km/h are expected, making it the fastest street circuit on the calendar, with top speeds estimated to peak at 322km/h between Turns 25-27
More than 30 nationalities have helped to build the Jeddah Corniche Circuit
More than 300 engineers have been involved
When the circuit is complete, about 2,000 trees will be planted around the circuit
37,000 tons of asphalt have been used to make the track
The circuit has required 600,000 tons of cement, 30,000 square meters of bricks, and more than 1,400 tons of glass
Construction included building seven stands overlooking the track
Seven permanent landmarks and statues have been positioned inside the circuit
Lighting levels are set at 1,500 lux, with more than 200,000 meters of cabling laid to ensure everything is lit to perfection
The circuit designers are extending the popular Corniche walkway along the circuit and populating it with a series of outdoor recreational opportunities for children and adults including new walkways and cycling paths and children’s playgrounds. There will also be family-friendly restaurants, public restrooms, increased parking spaces and much more.