The Jeddah circuit modified for 2023

The Corniche circuit in Jeddah – scene of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix since 2021 – will see some changes for 2023. The Saudi Motorsport Company, promoter of the Saudi Grand Prix, has confirmed that new modifications have been made to the circuit of the Corniche of Jeddah before the return of the F1 on the Red Sea coast from March 17 to 19. The objective: to improve the visibility of drivers on certain sections of the circuit and to reshape certain edges.

© F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

These changes come in line with new recommendations made following the introduction of the new F1 cars in 2022. Mick Schumacher had notably experienced a big accident during qualifying this season, which prevented him from participating in the Grand Prix the next day.

Remote walls, rumble strips: safety above all in Jeddah…

One of the major changes is the addition of rumble strips at turns 3, 14, 19, 20 and 21, similar to those used on motorways for example. These lines can cause the car to “shake”, which leads to a loss of traction and therefore slowing down. In addition, beveled curbs have also been added in place of the steel curbs at turns 4, 8, 10, 11, 17 and 23.

To further improve driver visibility, turns 14 and 20 saw the inside wall moved back, by 7,5 meters (T14) and 5 meters (T20) respectively, with an additional rumble strip in the shoulder between the white line and the wall of these enlargements. Additionally, the wall was adjusted at turns 8 and 10 to give drivers better visibility of the upcoming turn.

Changes at turn 14 © F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Changes at turn 20 © F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Finally, turns 22 and 23 have seen their "S" shape reduced thanks to the adjustment of the outside wall at turn 23 and the addition of a beveled curb, with the aim of slowing down the drivers by approximately 50 km /h.

“Even faster, more exciting and above all safer races”

Martin Whitaker, Managing Director of the Saudi Motorsport Company, commented on the new changes to the Jeddah track. “The evolution of the circuit continues at pace and we are delighted to add these new modifications to our magnificent track, the result of positive consultation with the FIA, F1 and the drivers. The previous two races here in Jeddah have already confirmed that Jeddah is the fastest and most exciting street circuit in the world and these new developments will only add to the spectacle fans can expect to see next March when the F1 will return to our city. It is vital for any circuit to listen and learn from those who race on it and use their feedback to develop and improve at all times. We are confident that these changes will lead to even faster, more exciting and above all safer racing. »

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