Before the 2023 race, Jeddah announces changes to the F1 track

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix organisers have disclosed additional modifications to the Jeddah Formula 1 track design for the upcoming competition that will enhance visibility and safety.

Jeddah track in a file photo (image: Google)
By Mahaksh Chauhan | Nov 29, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the fastest street circuit on the calendar, hosted its first F1 race in 2021. However, some drivers criticised the track’s congested layout and poor visibility in blind corners. Jeddah made a number of adjustments to the track before its second race in March 2022 to enhance sightlines, make it safer for the drivers, and in certain areas, widen the circuit. However, the grand prix’s organisers have already disclosed a number of other adjustments that will be made before the next race on March 19 of next year.

The high-speed left-right sequence at Turns 22 and 23, where efforts have been made to reduce speeds by about 50 km/h by relocating the fence and adding a bevelled kerb, is one of the biggest changes. Additionally, improvements have been made at Turns 14 and 20, two of the circuit’s fastest blind corners, where the fences have been moved back to widen the corner and improve driver visibility.

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More Exciting ?

The right-side wall of the track has moved back 7.5 metres at Turn 14, and the left-side wall has moved back five metres at Turn 20. At Turns 8 and 10, the walls have also been pushed back to improve visibility. In order to discourage drivers from running wide and slow them down, new “rumble lines” have been installed at Turns 3, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Bevelled kerbs have also been added at Turns 4, 8, 10, 11, 17, and 23. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is still evolving, and as a consequence of productive discussions with the FIA, F1, and the drivers, we are thrilled to bring these new modifications to our spectacular track.

“The previous two races here in Jeddah have already confirmed the JCC as the world’s fastest and most exciting street circuit and these new developments will only add to the spectacle that fans can expect to see next March when F1 returns to our city. “It is vital for any circuit to listen and learn from those racing on it and use their feedback to grow and improve at all times. “We are confident these changes will lead to even faster, more exciting and – crucially –  safe racing and we can’t wait to see the world’s greatest drivers battle it out here under the lights again in 2023.”