With just two weeks to go until the inaugural Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 makes its long-awaited debut, anticipation is beginning to rise for the moment the world's greatest drivers will take on the formidable challenge of the world's fastest and longest street track, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Set to host the penultimate round of this year's enthralling Formula 1 season, the newest race on the calendar is readying itself to play host to a titanic title battle for the ages between seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and the young pretender to his crown, Max Verstappen. Work on the track — which is officially termed a temporary facility — only began last April and is set to be completed in the coming days. Indeed, this remarkable achievement will add another record to its burgeoning list of early accomplishments: no F1 circuit has ever been constructed in a shorter period. This incredible feat is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the inaugural Saudi Grand Prix's devoted workforce, who have been striving tirelessly to deliver this stunning racetrack on time. More importantly, this achievement 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 detailed and robust Saudi Arabian Labor Laws, guaranteeing the protection of the rights of workers on-site including the limiting of working hours in direct sunlight. To further ensure all work was carried out in the safest conditions, all workers involved in the construction of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit were required to participate in the ATLAS safety induction program. Indeed, this induction program was compulsory for all the SAGP staff, further underlining the exacting standards that have been in place. Failure to participate disqualified them from receiving the necessary accreditation to access the site. Overall, the promoter collaborated with 3,000 on-site contractors from approximately 50 separate companies. While many of these partners are Saudi Arabian, the event organizers also utilized the vital support of suppliers from countries such as Germany, Austria, the UK, Spain and Italy. In addition, and at all times, the rigorous standards and scrutiny of both Formula 1 and their monitoring consultants were applied. This stunning achievement has required the concerted efforts of all stakeholders and staff, working in unison according to the highest levels of quality and in line with the ambitions and objectives as set out by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to build a more prosperous future for all people residing in Saudi Arabia. Developed in partnership by the Tilke Engineers and F1's own Motorsports Division, the circuit design has made strong use of the long, sweeping roads along the Corniche area, utilizing this feature and existing roads as much as possible along the narrow stretch of coastal land within the confines of the general infrastructure, resulting in one of the most unique and challenging circuits yet to feature in Formula 1. Designed to deliver spectacular racing, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is sure to generate huge excitement for F1 fans around the world and pose a stern examination of the drivers' strength and skill. Rich in many exciting features, the circuit includes a record-equaling number of turns (27 in total: 16 left and 11 right), in addition to 3 potential high-speed DRS sections and a remarkable 12-degree banked corner at Turn 13 that is sure to become a favorite of drivers, broadcasters and ardent photographers alike. Add to this the fact the race will be staged under the lights at night, and everything is in place for a truly electrifying atmosphere in Jeddah when the pinnacle of motorsport finally arrives in Saudi Arabia. Located in Jeddah's stunning Corniche area on the Red Sea, approximately 12km north of the city center, the Kingdom's second-biggest city by population on the nation's West Coast is sure to become one of the most extraordinary settings for a Formula 1 race, with a spectacular coastal backdrop framing the incredible racing action on track. With the countdown now on until the Jeddah Corniche Circuit opens its doors in less than two weeks, here are some key key facts and figures that further tell the story of the newest circuit in F1: • The Jeddah Corniche Circuit has a track length of 6,175 km making it the second longest circuit on the calendar after Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the longest street track in F1 • Average speeds are expected to reach 252km/h. — the fastest street circuit on the calendar with highest speeds estimated to peak at 322km/h between Turns 25-27! • More than 30 nationalities from around the world have helped build the Jeddah Corniche Circuit • More than 300 engineers from various disciplines have been involved in the construction of the circuit • When construction is complete, about 2,000 trees will be planted around the circuit • 37,000 tons of asphalt have been used in the track's construction • Construction of the circuit required 600,000 tons of cement, 30,000 square meters of bricks, and more than 1,400 tons of glass • Construction of the circuit included building 7 stands overlooking the world's fastest & longest street racing circuit. • 7 permanent landmarks & statues are positioned inside the Jeddah Corniche Circuit • Lighting levels are set at 1,500 lux, with more than 200,000 meters of cabling, including power and fiber, already laid to ensure everything is lit to perfection • As part of the circuit's lagoon regeneration project, a staggering 162.814 tons of sludge and debris were dredged from the lagoon and divided into separate stocks, with the former treated and recycled while the latter was safely and responsibly disposed of • As a result, the surrounding area has already seen a welcome return of wildlife, while the lagoon is already teeming with fish including mullet, milk fish and blue spotted stingray • 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, children's playgrounds as well as the establishment of family friendly restaurants, public restrooms, increased parking spaces and much more. Fans can currently choose from 3-Day and 1-Day grandstand, Premium Hospitality and General Admission tickets and can look forward to a comprehensive schedule of sport and entertainment from Friday Dec. 3 until Sunday Dec. 5. — SG
