The final double-header of the current championship is about to begin: there are two Formula 1 events on consecutive weekends in the Middle East, starting in Saudi Arabia this weekend and continuing with Abu Dhabi, the latter traditionally hosting the final Grand Prix of a Formula 1 season.
First up Saudi Arabia, as its debut race takes place in Jeddah, one of the major cities in the country, with its main focus being tourism and business. This city of four million inhabitants has already hosted major sports events, such as the final of the Italian Supercup two years ago and the Spanish Supercoppa in 2020. Formula 1 is in fact the third major motor sport event to be held in Saudi Arabia, following on from Formula E, which has held 3 E-Prix at the Al Diriyya street circuit and the 2020 Dakar, which ran through the desert areas of Jeddah, Riyadh and Quiddiya.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection from Puma!
The track. The circuit, known as the Jeddah Corniche, as a long section follows the coastline, measures 6.175 kilometres, making it the second longest track on the calendar after Spa-Francorchamps. Where it differs from other street circuits is in its flowing corners without the usual 90 degree turns passing close to the walls. There are also sections that look like being very high speed, with some simulations suggesting a top speed of over 320 km/h at turn 27, with an average lap speed that could exceed 260 km/h. Three DRS zones are planned, while other sections also offer overtaking possibilities. There are 50 laps in the race (308.750 kms).
Programme. The race will take place at night, running to a similar timetable to Singapore, so that all sessions are late in the day. The first free practice on Friday begins at 16.30 local (14.30 CET) while the second starts at 20 (18 CET). On Saturday the final hour for preparation will be at 17 (15 CET), followed by qualifying at 20 (18 CET). The first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix gets underway on Sunday at 20.30 (18.30 CET).
Leave a Reply