Jeddah Street Circuit: 'Race against the clock to get the track finished in time'

The very first Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia should take place on Sunday December 5, but the Asian country is far from being ready. The Jeddah Street Circuit is still under construction. According to an official, it is a race against the clock.

The circuit is being built in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah at the Red Sea. With a length of 6.175 kilometres it will be the second-longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar after Spa-Francorchamps. It would also be one of the fastest circuits in the world.

An official of the circuit told the French news agency AFP that the track is being worked on with all hands. "It will be a race against the clock to get the track finished in time. They are now working day and night," the official said. AD.

According to Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Faisal, there is a lot of interest in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. "We expect a huge turnout, especially from Europe and the United States," he said. Tickets for the Grand Prix are not cheap. The cheapest tickets are around 500 euros, for a Paddock Club card you pay just under 6000 euros.

"The Formula 1 project has cost a lot," bin Sultan Al-Faisal defends the high prices. "It is standard that the costs should be compensated by ticket sales and other sources, including advertisements and local sponsors."