An average speed of 254 km/h (158 mph) on each lap even with 8 braking moments

3/14/2023

 For the third year running, Formula 1 competes in Saudi Arabia thirty kilometers (18.6 miles) outside the historic city of Jeddah.

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For the third year running, Formula 1 competes in Saudi Arabia thirty kilometers (18.6 miles) outside the historic city of Jeddah. According to Brembo technicians, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is ranked as a track with a high level of difficulty for brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it is rated 4 on the difficulty index.

As a country that exports liquid hydrocarbon, Saudi Arabia aims to slash 44 million tonnes of carbon per year by 2035. The main aim remains that of achieving zero emissions by 2060; the F1 GP is also moving in this direction with electronic tickets, solar power and 43,000 square meters (141,076 feet) of green space.

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An ambitious goal

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Environmental, social and governance issues have always been an integral part of Brembo’s strategy. This can be seen in the recognition obtained for the fifth time running of the double A rating from CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), the global non-profit organization that assesses commitment to sustainability.

The award encourages the company to continue to move towards a more sustainable future in which we should all feel obliged to make a shared effort. In 2022 Brembo increased the amount of energy supplied by renewable energy sources by 53% and CO2 emissions in its offices and plants were 29% lower than in 2019.

 

The two temples of speed

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With no 90 degree turns, the Jeddah Cornich Circuit is the longest and fastest city circuit in the World Championship: drivers have to use the brakes 8 times on each lap, but even so, the average lap speed is just under 254 km/h (158 mph), partly because between Turn 8 and Turn 12 the drivers never have to slow down.

The brakes are used for just under 11 seconds per lap amounting to 13% of the race: only Monza has lower absolute values and percentages. Although there are 6 braking points per lap where drivers exert a load on the pedal of at least 140 kg (308 lb), the total value from start to finish is less than 52 metric tonnes.

 

206 km/h (128 mph) deceleration in 2.5 seconds

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Of the 8 braking sections in the Saudi Arabian GP, 4 are classified as very demanding on the brakes, 2 are of medium difficulty and the other 2 are light.

The hardest on the brake system is the last one because the single-seaters come on to it after braking for the last time on corner 22. As they come onto corner 27, the cars reach 319 km/h (198 mph) before using the brakes for the 2.5 seconds needed to slow down to 113 km/h (70 mph). In the meantime, they cover a distance of 123 meters (134.5 yards) and the drivers experience 4.9G of deceleration.

 

And what about the video games?

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The walls of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit are the biggest concern for those who try their hand at the Formula 1 video game but fortunately the last corner has a wide escape lane. Keeping as far right as possible on the track, start braking when you see the 100 m sign. As you brake, move down 3 gears and hold back before cornering in making sure you do not touch the wall.