Analysis of the Jeddah circuit

The arrival of Formula 1 in Saudi lands has not been unanimously well received, for political and social reasons. Nevertheless, the Middle East wishes, in turn, to become a Formula 1 land just like Europe or the American continents.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be the first in the history of the premier category. It was necessary to build an urban circuit in the capital. The drivers will discover an ultra-fast urban layout with many curves, which should often be taken at full speed. The track is 6.174 kilometers long and has 27 turns. Analysis of the different sectors and possible overtaking zones.

A first sector between heavy braking and corners with support

The straight line of the stands is relatively short and is concluded by a strong left turn. However, the DRS zone that has been placed there will certainly allow the following driver to get closer and attempt an attack – both on the outside and the inside. This first braking is immediately followed by a right-hand curve while accelerating. This zone would then be the scene of a few counter-cross attacks.

After the second turn, the third is a left turn taken at full speed, certainly in 4th or 5th gear before a short straight leading to the fourth turn, which is a fairly rapid deceleration turn. This is where things can get complicated for the car following another one.

From this section start the fast curves. A blessing for the driver in the open air, the beginning of trouble for the one behind him: the section starting from turns 5 to 12 is a stretch that should put a lot of strain on the arms and neck. Everyone, without exception, should go full throttle, including the double right (turns 8 and 9).

In qualifying, it should be a masterpiece, given the challenge it will represent for the drivers. However, F1 cars remain extremely sharp single-seaters, sensitive to air disturbances. It goes without saying that, in the event of a battle, the two (or more) drivers fighting will experience different fortunes. These corners requiring excellent support, the following cars will be caught in a real aerodynamic storm.

This first sector could therefore have the effect of stretching the peloton… and undermining the battles, at least at the beginning of the race. Because, once past turn 12, a short straight line will lead to a new braking zone, perhaps to a new overtaking area.

From a mini banking to an almost straight line.

Turn 13 is a slight left banking. If the first sector doesn’t break the rhythm too much, this is where we could see some aggressive overtaking. Daring to go around the outside would be a tad too daring, because it’s not an extremely slow turn either.

The vast majority of the sector is a succession of very gentle curves, offering a nice draft. However, it is turn 16, very fast but in deceleration, that could pose a problem: it cuts the draft, due to its nature of a banked turn. It should not be a passing deterrent either.

This turn 16 is followed by 17 which, goes to the limit, and it will be full throttle until T22. It is at the end of this almost straight line that we could see cars closing in on each other, as this will be the second of the three DRS zones. Provided that one has managed to stay within one second. Given the first sector, this could be complicated.

Final section for a crazy final?

After the long full throttle, turns 22 and 23 are another cut in aspiration, as it is a fast chicane, also in support. Nothing to do with the first sector, which is just a sequence where it will certainly be impossible to follow each other. Here, you will simply have to make sure to be careful and to know how to keep some energy in the tires to get back into the aspiration.

If victory, or the places of honor, were played in the last lap, then the very last portion could be interesting. After a final double right (23 and 24), the cars will start galloping the horses in a huge left turn, which includes both turns 25 and 26. It will be the ultimate DRS zone, and its length could be conducive to overtaking. However, it would be a shame to see a move completed well before the turn, eliminating the chances of a reply. After all, that’s what we want to see as fans.

Finally, in conclusion of this newly born Saudi track, a final braking point, where attacks could be likely. However, we could witness other methods, as the return to the starting/finishing line follows: the hunting driver could wait. Then, a slight left curve brings the cars back to the starting point. This last place could also be conducive to a tightening of the pack in case of Safety Car.

We saw it this year in Baku and Interlagos: when the timing line is relatively close to the first corner, that’s where the leaders have made a habit of waiting as long as possible to deprive others of a valuable slipstream.

A circuit finally spectacular, under conditions

On paper, the Jeddah circuit should provide an interesting race. Scenarios in favor of the show would include, for example, a Safety Car, perhaps conducive to late restarts, and cars capable of following closely.

However, this first winding and very fast sector could pose a problem. Current F1 cars struggle to follow a car closely, so this section could be problematic for battles on the track. It is also necessary to watch out for the walls, which are very close. One mistake, and a crash is guaranteed!

But other factors, such as good tire performance (always difficult to predict), the choice of car settings, are all parameters that play a crucial role in the conduct of a race to make it competitive. Note that the Grand Prix will take place at night, where temperatures will be cooler and more favorable for the mechanics.

After all, nothing is written in advance… After a season 2021 that has offered us so much spectacle and surprises, we can well imagine that predictions will once again be difficult to establish… and we won’t complain about it!