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“We want to create what will essentially be the best race circuit in the world [in Qiddiya]. But as a result of this, it means that Jeddah will be hosting the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX for at least another three years — potentially even four — which will take us up to 2027.”
Martin Whitaker, CEO Saudi Motorsport Company

  • Formula 1 race expected to remain in Jeddah until 2027 while work continues at Qiddiya
  • 2024 race will move to a new date to avoid a clash with holy month of Ramadan
  • Minor circuit revisions include a tightening of Turns 21, 22 and 23 ahead of this year’s event
  • Kerbs will be lowered in height and barriers moved back to improve racing spectacle

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — January 19, 2023. In exactly two months the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2023 gets underway at the stunning, ultra-fast Jeddah Corniche Circuit. As the street track prepares to hold its third Formula 1 event, organisers have confirmed the Red Sea venue will continue to host an F1 race until at least 2027.

While initially built as a temporary facility, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has undergone a number of permanent modifications in the past year to upgrade the venue to be the home of Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia for at least four more years. Saudi Motorsport Company Chief Executive Officer Martin Whitaker says construction work has begun on the infrastructure around the new flagship Formula 1 facility in Qiddiya, as final circuit design details are close to being signed off.

“Construction has started on the roads and rail network bringing people into Qiddiya from Riyadh, but we’re still having on-going discussions about the exact layout — although they’re pretty close to being finalised,” said Whitaker. “It’s a very exciting project as we want to create the best race circuit in the world. But as a result of this, it means that Jeddah will be hosting the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX for at least another three years — potentially even four — which will take us up to 2027.”

Organisers have also confirmed the date for the 2024 edition of the race will need to be moved in the schedule to avoid a clash with the holy month of Ramadan, which next year will take place between March 10 and April 9, 2024. However, the exact timing of the race will be determined jointly by Formula 1 and the sport’s governing body, the FIA.

As the world’s fastest street circuit gears up to host the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2023, Saudi Motorsport Company’s CEO Martin Whitaker talks about the increasing development of motorsport in the region and the interest from both a fan perspective and also the business community that will make the 2023 edition of the race another success.

“What’s crucial to me is there is a heightened awareness in motorsport and Formula 1,” says Whitaker.
“The FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX is the biggest sporting event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — by a long way. The F1 race has been a catalyst that has led to a wider interest into the sport. We have more visitors to our karting tracks, more people are interested in Formula E, Extreme E and Dakar and there is a growing interest from the business sector and automotive manufacturers to invest in Saudi Arabia. Formula 1 is doing a tremendous job in increasing awareness and as a result we are seeing a healthy response to both ticket sales and corporate hospitality sales.”

Q&A
Martin Whitaker
Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Motorsport Company

Q. What work has taken place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit over the past 10 months?
MW: “We have worked closely with Formula 1 and the FIA to make some small changes to the corners, essentially to improve sight-lines for the drivers. When you’re travelling at 200mph and are just a couple of inches from the ground, having visibility for the next section of the racetrack is critical. So at a number of corners we have moved the barriers back — in some cases as far as five to seven metres — to help with that forward visibility. While the drivers enjoy the challenge of this track, we understand there are certain things we can do to give them more confidence.

“While the configuration of the track is exactly the same, we have made slight revisions by tightening up the radius of Turns 21, 22 and 23 — the quick left-right before the back straight. The impact of that will reduce the speed into the corner by around 30-50km/h.

“We have also changed some of the kerbs, but this is in line with what a number of circuits worldwide are having to do. It’s primarily down to the design of the new Formula 1 cars, as their lower ride height means they don’t ride the kerbs as well as the previous iteration of car. We have therefore changed kerb heights so they are more accommodating to the current F1 car design.

“The other changes we have made include moving the medical centre to a permanent building on the outside of Turn 27 which has improved access and we now have a medical helicopter stationed on-site all year round to serve the local community. We’re making some changes to the podium that we are working through with Formula 1 and the FIA which is designed to improve the experience for the fans. We are building a new Formula 1 Experiences Champions Club suite at the pit entry end of the paddock. At the other end is our new facilities centre. We’ve also been carrying out more remedial work to the paddock, Paddock Club and the overall facilities.”

Q. What’s the situation with the hosting of next year’s race? Might the date move to avoid a clash with the holy month of Ramadan?
MW: “This year Ramadan starts three days after our race but next year it moves to the earlier dates of March 10 to April 9, 2024. Obviously, because of the sanctity of Ramadan it would be impossible to host a Grand Prix during that time, but ultimately any decision on the timings of the race next year is in the hands of Formula 1 and the FIA, so we are waiting for clarification from the promoter and governing body with regards to our 2024 date.”

Q. What is your perspective on having more Formula 1 races in the Middle East region?
MW: “You only have to look at either automobile franchises or global consumer brands and they all tend to congregate in the same area on the high street. Yes, there is competition between them, but they are stronger together than they would be if they were all disparate. The analogy with F1 races is the same. Saudi Arabia is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and it’s beneficial for all of us in the region to have Formula 1 races as it increases awareness and helps develop the sport.

“But actually, while it might seem close — the distance between Bahrain and Jeddah is about 500km further than the distance between Silverstone and Budapest — and there are lot of races (Zandvoort, Spa, Austria and Monaco) that are held between those two venues. So the location of the races in the Middle East are not as close as you think.”

Q. With regards to cooperation with other countries in the region, have you noticed that translates to an increase international ticket sales?
MW: “Tickets sales for this year’s race have been very good and yes, we have seen that more people from the GCC are coming to Jeddah as interest in the sport continues to develop in the region. While we’re also targeting visitors from the rest of the world, it’s definitely encouraging that more people are coming to our race from the Middle East.

“As regards to ticket sales, we did experience a small drop between race one and two, but that was due to the fact there was only a three month gap between the two events. What’s crucial to me is there is a heightened awareness in motorsport and Formula 1. The FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX is the biggest sporting event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — by a long way. I know that Dakar is a larger event in scale, but in terms of its profile Formula 1 is absolutely huge.

“The F1 race has been a catalyst that has led to a wider interest into the sport. We have more visitors to our karting tracks, more people are interested in Formula E, Extreme E and Dakar and there is a support in our desire to host MotoGP and WRC in the future.

“In addition to consumer awareness there is a growing interest from the business sector and the aim is for us to start creating our own circuit and off-road events. So Formula 1 is doing a tremendous amount to increase awareness and as a result we are seeing a healthy response to ticket sales and corporate hospitality sales as well.”

Q. How much has the motorsport industry grown since the first race in 2021?
MW: “It’s still in its infancy, but Saudi Motorsport Company has an exciting strategy to develop the sport in the Kingdom. For example we have got plans for new karting circuits and motorsport parks around the country. At the moment there are very few motor racing series in the region, but right now we are developing the Middle East Rally Championship. And our strategy in Saudi is to develop series, particularly for young people, to help find Saudi champions of the future and to create teams and series that employ Saudi people. That’s our objective.

“We’re increasingly beginning to see global manufacturers talking to us about the advantages of having a base in this part of the world. We have two new electric manufacturers who have already started construction work here: the Saudi-owned Ceer Motors and American firm Lucid Motors. We’re also seeing more established manufacturers looking at having a base in Saudi. One example is Neom and their partnership with McLaren Electric Racing. All of this links in neatly with Invest Saudi, one of our Formula 1 sponsors which is helping attract business into the country.

“Another example is Audi who have carried out a couple of test programmes here in Jeddah for their touring car programme. They are able to take advantage of our F1-spec garages and facilities while also guaranteeing dry weather and a high-quality track surface. They can even securely keep their cars based here in Jeddah to help save with shipping costs.”

Q. What is the latest update with Qiddiya? Does it looks as though Jeddah will be on the calendar for longer than first anticipated?
MW: “As promoter for the event in Qiddiya, Saudi Motorsport Company has an on-going dialogue with our colleagues there and we are working very close with them as they are at an advanced stage with their designs. There are lessons from the build of any F1 circuit and we have communicated the learnings from Jeddah to the team in Qiddiya. The key is making the venue future proof because this will be a permanent road circuit that will be used all year round.

“What we have to consider in our designs is that attending a race today is different to the past. Gone are the days of building a track with loads of grandstand spectator seating. Fans want more flexibility and options now, whether that’s more experiential spaces or entertainment options within the facility, F&B choices and also being able to socialise in hospitality suites.

“In terms of construction, much has already begun on the roads and rail network bringing people into the track from Riyadh, but it’s still too early for a formal start date. That’s because we’re still having on-going discussions about the exact layout — although they’re pretty close to being finalised. It’s a very exciting project and we want to create what will essentially be the best race circuit in the world. But as a result of this, it means that Jeddah will be hosting the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX for at least another three years — potentially even four — which will take us up to 2027.”

Q. How much has Jeddah changed in the two years and can you quantify the importance that a Formula 1 race has had on the city and the Kingdom?
MW: “Firstly, it was important the Jeddah Corniche Circuit generated a legacy for the community and there is no doubt it has done that. We now have the extension of the Corniche from the south of Jeddah all the way up to the marina, filled with new restaurants. Housed on the shores of the Red Sea it’s a dramatic location and we have improved immeasurably the look and feel of the Corniche here. Not only has it been extended, it has addressed certain values that come from the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative such as the Quality of Life programme and that’s where the new sports facilities come in. There is a sustainable aspect too, which is the lagoon being completely cleaned out and there are new grass areas and vegetation planted too.

“The circuit itself is being used for more events, including the Ferrari Owners Club, our own Supercar Club, track testing with Audi, we have a Porsche event and we hosted an FIA-sanctioned world touring car race. We’re building our own track day car to give people an experience of the circuit with passenger rides. Plus the circuit is open twice a week for people to cycle or walk it. There are a lot of things going on and there is a vast change from 2021.

Q. What assurances can you give over the safety of the event following last year’s incident?
MW: “We have done a lot over the course of the past year to talk to all the teams and drivers about what happened. Firstly the Saudi Minister of Sport, HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal travelled to the Austrian Grand Prix last year and individually went speak to the drivers and listen to their concerns and reassured them. Secondly, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal and I spoke to all the drivers at the Drivers’ Briefing at the Singapore Grand Prix. The most important thing to come out of this is that the F1 teams and drivers have appreciated hearing from the all the relevant authorities and the Saudi ministry to reassure them of their safety.”

Q. Finally, why do you think the circuit has offered such brilliant races in its first two events?
MW: “There’s absolutely no doubt about it — the drivers love this track. They love the surface, the grip and the speed. To be honest I’d be worried if they didn’t love it being quick. There are overtaking opportunities around the track, but perhaps more importantly the layout flows really well. We’ve had two fantastic races, the first with Lewis Hamilton beating Max Verstappen in 2001 and then last year that brilliant battle between Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. I’ve no doubt that we’re in for another cracking race this year.”

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