Will Jeddah’s new F1 track be ready for the first Saudi GP?

The new Jeddah Corniche Circuit is due to host the penultimate round of the 2021 F1 season, but concerns have been raised over the progress of the 6km track with less than a month until its inaugural race on December 5.

Images from a recent F1 visit to the venue highlighted extensive work is still required to be completed. 

Five weeks until we go racing #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/DecUb1ZIXh

— Dom Smith (@ItsOnlyDom) October 29, 2021

While Masi admits there is still “a lot to do” before construction is finalised, he has no concerns over the viability of the grand prix going ahead as scheduled. 

“There is a lot going on there,” Masi said on Sunday at the Mexico City Grand Prix. “There is a huge amount of work happening concurrently.

“The FIA and F1 are getting daily updates of where things are at, and it’s progressing very, very quickly.

“Yes, there’s a lot to do. There’s nothing to deny there.  I think everyone will acknowledge there’s a lot to do. But I’m still confident of the race going ahead, no problems.”

The Jeddah track will be the longest street circuit in F1 and the second longest circuit on the calendar. 

However, it is only set to be a temporary home for the Saudi Arabian GP until a new purpose-built circuit is constructed as part of the country’s 10-year deal to host F1. 

Masi was previously involved in overseeing the completion of Korea’s International Circuit in Yeongam, which only received approval for F1 a week before the inaugural event was held in 2010. 

“I think there’s always an element of worrying with everything but I’m quite confident,” Masi explained. 

“Particularly having been involved in Korea in 2010, which was the last one that was talked about. 

“And I think India was talked about and both of those went off, no problems at all, and I’m quite confident that Saudi will be exactly the same.”

Masi also stressed he is “very confident” the circuit will comply with “every safety requirement”. 

“Everyone that we normally use is there in force and doing a fantastic job,” Masi explained. 

“There are areas that are absolutely complete. The quality of work is fantastic, it’s first class. They will finish. I have confidence.”