Everything you need to know ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Sophie Collins

Formula One will make its way to Saudi Arabia this weekend for round two of the 2022 season.

Following on from the Bahrain Grand Prix, spectators will be eagerly waiting to see the new machinery head to the Saudi Arabian track after Ferrari dominated the season opener.

Red Bull is currently at the bottom of the standings after retiring both cars and earning the Milton Keynes-based outfit zero points on Sunday last.

Their second fatality in Sergio Perez earned Mercedes a place on the podium in the final laps of the race, but there seems to be no doubt among spectators online that the charging bulls will return ready to fight for another championship title.

So ahead of this Sunday’s race, here’s everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix:

Circuit

Located in the Corniche area on the Red Sea, the Jeddah circuit is 6.175km long, making it the second-longest on the Formula 1 calendar, after Spa Francorchamps at 7.004km.

The circuit features 27 corners with the potential for 3 DRS detection zones.

It is the ‘fastest street track’ on the Formula One calendar with cars reaching average speeds in excess of 250 km/h in 2021.

Its intricate design along with the new regulations this year means there will be increased ability to overtake, allowing drivers to “close-up on cars in front”, making for some exciting on-track battles this weekend.

The 2021 inaugural Grand Prix was won by Lewis Hamilton, who also now holds the race lap record after a run in 1:30.734s.

Verstappen was second on the podium that weekend last December, however, his teammate Sergio Perez was in P17 at the chequered flag – and will be hoping for better luck this time out.

Schedule

The race at the Jeddah Street Circuit will take place on Sunday, March 27 – just seven days after the season opener in Bahrain.

Teams will have already begun travelling to Saudi Arabia, with Free Practice taking place as usual on Friday at 2:00 pm with the second installment at 5:00 pm.

Qualifying is on Saturday, with proceedings getting underway at 5:00 pm – three hours after the final practice session at 2:00 pm.

Lights out is at 6:00 pm on Sunday, as Red Bull and Mercedes try to fight their way back to the top of the field, and Ferrari and Haas hold onto their 2022 improvements.