Organisers of Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix say minor tweaks will be made to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit ahead of this March’s event.
They are aimed at improving driver visibility at a couple of corners.
The high-speed 27-turn circuit made its debut on Formula 1’s calendar last month but several drivers raised concerns over the blind nature of some corners.
Organisers now plan to address some of those worries ahead of its second event in a couple of months’ time.
“The length of time between the two races has enabled us to reflect on some aspects that did and didn’t work,” said Saudi Arabian GP CEO Martin Whitaker.
“And we have been striving to improve on some areas for our second event. Firstly, there are going to be one or two slight changes to the track.
“These tweaks are directly related to a drivers’ sightline from the cockpit. It’s minimal work, but it will help improve forward visibility in a couple of corners.
“Secondly, we will make some small modifications to the barriers that will favour the lines the drivers take around the course.”
It is understood that Jeddah is likely to remain on Formula 1’s calendar beyond 2022.
Saudi Arabia holds a deal with Formula 1 through 2030 but the intention remains for the grand prix to eventually move to the large-scale sports and entertainment complex under construction near Riyadh, known as Qiddiya. However this is unlikely to be until 2024 at the earliest.
“The most important thing is that the long-term future of a race in Saudi Arabia is secure,” said Whitaker.
“The construction of Qiddiya near Riyadh is on-going, but the focus is very much on Jeddah at the moment and about maximising the opportunities on this fantastic circuit.
“There are very few like the one we have on the Corniche, which is challenging, dynamic, long, and super-fast and in such a stunning location.”
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