Saudi Arabian GP: The Race Weekend Is Kicked Off in Jeddah but There Are Missing Bits to Fix

The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend kicked off on Friday with the practice sessions in the Jeddah street circuit. However, reports are coming in that work on the paddock club is still underway. The circuit has been built from scratch over the last eight months. It is the fastest-made F1 circuit in the world starting from scratch.

The FIA gave its final official clearance to the circuit just a day before the race weekend. However, a few images came in from the paddock club that show some areas being still non-operational. Moreover, there was even some wear and tear in certain blocks. Questions might get raised about the preparations before the big event.

Formula One F1- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 2, 2021 General view of the circuit ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Construction is partly underway in the paddock club

The Circuit has been granted official clearance from FIA and the concerned authorities. FIA race director Michael Masi has done multiple rounds of inspection, the latest being this Thursday. He believes the circuit meets all the standards and regulations set by the FIA. “It has been an impressive journey for all involved to make the first FIA F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix a reality, and the progress that I have seen on each of my visits over recent months has been remarkable,” said Masi as reported by the PlanetF1.

Yarış hafta sonunun başlamasına rağmen Paddock Club’taki çalışmalar sürüyor. Bazı yerlerde zeminde çökme olduğu görülmüş.

@virtualstatman#F1 #Formula1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/e5SaqOqNC1

— Motorsport.com Türkiye (@motorsportcomtr) December 3, 2021

However, as the latest images suggest, there is some construction underway, with minor issues of wear and tear. But, the world’s fastest street circuit has met the standards of regulating authorities. Moreover, the most important areas have been successfully completed before the Grand Prix.

What is it like racing in Jeddah?

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the fastest street circuit in the world and stretches to 6.174 km, second-longest behind Spa-Francorchamps. Moreover, it has been confirmed that there will be three DRS zones in the 27 corner layout.

Jump onboard for a lap of Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with your guide @Max33Verstappen #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/bxFVMphEhE

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 3, 2021

The Circuit is a delight to lovers of speed and the drivers themselves put a stamp on that. Valtteri Bottas was heard on the radio says “F***!! This track is cool“. He finished P3 in FP1, two-tenths behind Hamilton, who recorded the fastest lap time.

“****** this track is cool.” – Valtteri Bottas, Jeddah 2021pic.twitter.com/ir9oDBZgX6

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 3, 2021

Rest apart, the authorities must take cognizance of the scrappy work in the paddock club. Nonetheless, the weekend is kicked off in style and fans are looking forward to the race.

Read More- Saudi Arabian GP: Why is Jeddah F1 Circuit Being Compared to the Famed Macau Track by Ricciardo & Co

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