Jeddah: The Formula One Saudi Grand Prix International Car Race kicks off in Jeddah on Friday. The race, which will feature 20 world-class car racers, will last for three days. Representing some of the leading international companies in the field of motorsports, these athletes set out on the world’s longest and fastest track at Jeddah Corniche.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Louis Hamilton of the United Kingdom and close neighbor Max Versstapp of the Netherlands are in contention. The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, in collaboration with the Formula One International Automobile Federation, has completed all preparations for the competition. The track is built in a world – class style on the Corniche on the Red Sea coast and was completed by the Saudi Ministry of Sports on a wartime basis.
The 6.175 km long track has 27 curves. Of these, 16 turn left and 11 turn right. Seven galleries were set up in the area. The galleries are designed in such a way that the spectators can enjoy the dusty view of the car. Separate buildings have been set up for each team and their vehicle repair.
The final preparations for the competition were assessed by officials from the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Many people from different parts of the world have come to Jeddah to watch the match.
The teams arrived in Jeddah two days ago. Their cars were also flown in a special plane to take part in the competition. Among those arriving in Jeddah will be Ottmar Shawnover, captain of the Aston Martin Racing Team taking part in the competition. He is here to monitor his team’s participation in the inaugural Global Formula One race in Saudi Arabia.
Formula One enthusiasts inside and outside Saudi Arabia are excited to have just hours to go before the Formula One car race, which has been lined up by world-renowned car racers for months. The first and second test runs of the competition are scheduled for Friday afternoon.
The third test match and the qualifying round match will be played on Saturday. The final touches, including vehicle repairs, will be completed for Sunday’s STC Formula Saudi Grand Prix. The final car race will be held on Sunday evening. The competition is part of a long-standing partnership between the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Formula One organizers.
Meanwhile, the Jeddah Traffic Department has asked that other roads be used instead of Malik Road to ease traffic congestion as Formula One racing is taking place in Corniche. Parking facilities have been set up near the galleries for the vehicles of those coming to watch the Formula One race.
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