Less than four months on from its exhilarating debut, the brand new Jeddah Corniche Circuit has once again opened its gates to F1 drivers, teams, and fans for the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2022. Formula 1’s visit marks its second to the Red Sea coastal circuit following an incredible inaugural race in December where Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen dramatically battled it out under the lights, with the former’s thrilling victory ensuring that they entered the final race of the season level on points. This time around, the pinnacle of motorsport arrives in Jeddah at the start of the season where the fight for the championship is wide open. Friday’s line up of events on and off track is set to be incredibly busy and full of memorable experiences for fans visiting the world’s newest, longest, and fastest street circuit. It kicks off three days of non-stop sporting action and live entertainment as the premier racing series returns to Saudi Arabia. On-track, drivers will take part in the first two Free Practice sessions, providing an opportunity to adjust to the challenges posed by the Jeddah track and to test out the new 2022 cars on the narrow, high-speed sections of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit before the all-important Qualifying session tomorrow. In addition to the F1 action, today will also see the hugely popular F1 feeder series, Formula 2, as well as the longest running and most successful championship in the region, the Porsche Sprint Cup Challenge Middle East, return to Jeddah after their successful outings here last December. Outside of the circuit, F1 was already making its presence felt in Jeddah yesterday with Aston Martin driver ambassador, Jessica Hawkins, visiting and talking to young Year 6 students at The British International School of Jeddah. The students were able to ask her questions about her career behind the wheel as well as her experience as a stunt driver on the latest James Bond movie, No Time to Die. The youngsters were left inspired after listening to Jessica outline the many different opportunities that exist for them to get involved in motorsport in the future. In the evening, all visiting media and teams were treated to an exclusive Welcome BBQ in the F1 Paddock by the Saudi Motorsport Company, the promoter of the event, ahead of what is bound to be another fantastic weekend. — SG