Jeddah Corniche Circuit (JCC) is a Formula 1 racing track located in Jeddah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - KSA), on the coast of the Red Sea.

Jeddah Corniche turn

Quick Stats

  • Main events: F1, F2, GT World Challenge Europe, GT4 European Series, Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East
  • Total run: 3.836 m (6.174 km)
  • Nr of turns: 27
  • Inaugural year: 2021
  • Status: Active
  • Lap record: 1:30.734 (L. Hamilton at 2021)
  • Designer: Tilke Engineers and Formula 1 M-team
  • Capacity: ~140,000

Jeddah Corniche Circuit configuration

Jeddah Corniche Circuit (JCC) description

The JCC is the one of the longest and fastest street circuits (according to F1) and allows pilots to develop over 155 mph (250km/h). This course has neck-breaking 27 turns and spans nearly 4 miles (6km+), which makes it the second longest race circuit in the F1 season. The circuit opens a scenic vista of the Red Sea to the West and includes a mixture of high-speed straights and narrow hairpin turns. Its inclusion in the Formula 1 racing schedule has also raised.

Jeddah’s profile

The JCC is located along a ~20 miles (30km) waterfront stretch on the coast of the Red Sea and provides an spectacular racing experience in a pictorial setting. Although it is a temporary track, it has a number of permanent sections that fans can experience at their own leisure.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

History

The Jeddah Circuit was inaugurated on 5th of December, 2021. Same year, Hamilton set the record for the fastest lap that is still current today (as of 2023). Currently, this stage is expected to be held until 2025. Due to the relatively high temperature in the region, the Jeddah course is one of few to be conducted late at night under floodlights. For example, in 2023, the F1 race started at 8pm local time.

The idea for holding a F1 event in Saudi Arabia long-predates its inaugural stage. As early as the 80s, F1 members worked to make it a reality. Eventually, Aramco (Saudi Arabian Oil Group) became a sponsor of this event. Contrary to the warm temperatures in the area, the local royalty warmed up to the idea of hosting a racing event a glacial pace. In time, Jeddah became the destination of the Saudi Arabia GP (Grand Prix), later renamed as the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Jeddah Corniche Circuit Formula 1 Grand Prix

Infrastructure

The JCC is a street race consisting of a blend of temporary and permanent section. The circuit embraces the regular city streets and passes some of the local renowned sites such as Mosques, hotels, resorts, promenades, parks and pools.

Jeddah Corniche Circuit infrastructure

Curiosities

Unlike the design of other tracks that starts with the general survey of the land, the track design team made up of the Formula 1 Motorsport team and Tilke Engineers & Architects started its work with Google Earth rendition of the area and relied heavily on Google Earth to create early mock ups. In Nov. 2022, the JCC hosted the finale of the WTCR race (World Touring Car Cup) – a race that uses heavily modified road stock cars.

WTCR race (World Touring Car Cup) at Jeddah Corniche Circuit (JCC)

Hosted F1 Events

  • 2023 - Saudi Arabian GP
  • 2022 - Saudi Arabian GP
  • 2021 - Saudi Arabian GP