The second spherical of the 2023 System One World Championship takes us this weekend to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on the Purple Beach.

The circuit, billed because the quickest road circuit on this planet, is residence to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This yr is the third yr the race is on the calendar.

The circuit’s observe structure was designed by well-known circuit architect Hermann Tilke, and its 3.83-mile size is second solely to the 4.35-mile lengthy Spa-Francorchamps. It has 27 corners, the very best variety of any circuit on the calendar, and its common velocity within the earlier two races has been above 150 mph.

The observe floor presents a medium stage of grip however the sand blown in from the close by desert can have an effect on issues, as can dramatic adjustments in wind route. Pirelli has nominated its medium compounds for the race: C2 is the White exhausting, C3 is the Yellow medium, and C4 is the Purple tender.

Groups additionally need to cope with fast temperature adjustments because the race progresses, because the Saudi race begins at nightfall and runs into the night time. The present climate forecast requires superb circumstances all through the weekend, with peak temperatures hovering round 90 levels F.

Adjustments made to the observe this yr embrace some new rumble strips on the escape roads and a few smoother curbs. Various the partitions have additionally been repositioned to assist enhance visibility in some areas and to make the corners slower elsewhere.

After some apply on Friday, Purple Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen was the quickest, adopted intently by teammate Sergio Perez, after which the Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. It was additionally confirmed that Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc must take a 10-place grid penalty for having exceeded his allocation of energy unit management electronics.

Going into Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race, Verstappen leads the 2023 Drivers’ Championship with 25 factors. Perez is second with 18 factors and Alonso third with 15 factors. Within the Constructors’ Championship, Purple Bull leads with 43 factors, versus the 23 of Aston Martin and 16 of Mercedes-Benz AMG. Final yr’s winner in Saudi Arabia was Verstappen, driving for Purple Bull.