New Saudi Arabian Grand Prix revealed as F1’s 'fastest street track'

New Saudi Arabian Grand Prix revealed as F1’s ‘fastest street track’

March 19, 2021

Nigel Benton

Events / Sport / Venues /

Saudi Arabian and Formula One officials have released the first details of the street circuit in Jeddah that will stage the Kingdom's first F1 Grand Prix in December, claiming that the track on the banks of the Red Sea will be the fastest street layout in the sport's history.

The Jeddah Street Circuit that will host the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix later this year will feature 27 corners and will allow average speeds of around 250km/h and, with a length of 6.175 kilometres, the circuit will be the second longest on the F1 calendar after Belgium’s Spa- Francorchamps.

The circuit, located in Jeddah’s Corniche area, around 12 kilometres north of the city centre, has been designed in close collaboration with leading racetrack architect Tilke and the Formula 1 Motorsport team.

Introducing the circuit design, F1 Managing Director of Motorsport, Ross Brawn stated “it’s always very exciting to release the details of a new circuit and the Saudi Arabia Street Circuit is no exception. We have worked very 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 the track in December.”

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

“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.”

Saudi Arabia will become F1's third race in the Middle East after Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. The event will be the new season's penultimate round, a week before Abu Dhabi, from 3rd to 5th December.

F1 confirmed in November that it would race in Saudi Arabia for the first time this year in what will mark the country’s biggest ever sporting event.

F1 has also announced the Portuguese Grand Prix as the third race of the season, completing its revised 23-race calendar.

The Portuguese race will be held on 2nd May, the date originally filled by the Chinese Grand Prix.

The season starts on 28th March with the Bahrain Grand Prix, which replaced the traditional season opener in Melbourne.

However, while the Australian Grand Prix has been rescheduled to the latter end of the calendar it now appears that the Chinese Grand Prix will not be held for the second year in a row.

Images: Concept for the Jeddah Street Circuit. Credit: Formula 1.

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.