Saudi Arabian GP bosses are adamant their new race track will be ready in time for next month’s inaugural F1 race – despite looking like a construction site.
Footage has been posted on social media of construction work on Jeddah’s Corniche circuit showing a huge amount of work still to be done.
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The race is scheduled for December 5 but in some sections of the track the asphalt has not yet been laid.
The photos show the main stand which will house the shell-like pits of a structure.
However, Formula 1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix CEO Martin Whitaker told SunSport the job would be done on time.
He said: “As the Jeddah Corniche circuit is being built in record time, it has always been true that the deadlines are tight.
“But construction remains on schedule and will be completed in time for F1 to arrive next month.”
The race was only confirmed by F1 chiefs 12 months ago and a staggering amount of money was needed to get the circuit built in time.
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The track was co-designed by the company Tilke, working with F1’s own motorsport team to create a fast and flowing track.
Bosses say the circuit will be the second fastest on the F1 calendar, behind Monza, however, like other races in the Middle East, it will also be a floodlit night race.
An F1 spokesperson added: “We look forward to being in Jeddah in a few weeks for the inaugural race in Saudi Arabia and know the team is working hard to deliver an incredible race.”
Red Bull is expected to be the first team to check out the new circuit and plan to schedule a test event in Saudi Arabia next week.
ABOUT THE TRACK
- Name: Jeddah Corniche Circuit
- Number of rounds: 50
- Corners: 27
- Average speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Circuit length: 6.174 km (3.84 miles)
- Race distance: 308.45 km (191.7 miles)
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