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effort, only about $240 billion has been allocated, leaving $860 billion worth of work upcoming in the pipeline. Saudi Arabia is presently experiencing an influx of international companies as most want to partake in the investment strategies, projects and goals set for the Kingdom. The projects are complex and massive, and contractors are gearing up for the works that have been set in motion. The most critical element looking forward is to ensure that these works are successfully implemented through proper and efficient management of supply chains. This will particularly be a challenge soon due to cost-push inflation, scarcity of materials, and procuring long lead items. Can you tell us more about the landmark Saudi Arabian Grand Prix project? The track is the second longest yet the fastest street circuit on the F1 calendar. The construction was so extensive that it is on par with a permanent track
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construction, despite it being planned as a temporary circuit of a three-to-fiveyear lifespan. The real victory for us is the high grip of the track surface which the drivers very much enjoyed. All components of the track’s asphalt and layers were locally sourced, including aggregates, bitumen, and additives except for the safety barriers and slot drains. Achieving these mix designs, and executing with tolerances in the millimeters, requires true expertise, superior equipment, knowledge of aggregates, and an understanding of the local climate and environment. Ultimately, the success of any racetrack is about the experience of the drivers and spectators. As we know, the Formula 1 race in Jeddah was a phenomenal success in that retrospect. The drivers spoke very positively about the track and the tarmac - even Sir Lewis Hamilton mentioned the noticeably high grip that was resultant of our mix design. And regarding the spectators, it was confirmed by Sky TV that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was
watched by more viewers than any other F1 race broadcasted since it took over broadcasting rights 10 years ago. If that doesn’t translate to an absolute success of a project, I don’t know what does! We couldn’t be prouder to be Official Circuit Construction Partners, and to have been able to deliver such a track to the world. For the time being, we are very excited and looking forward to the upcoming races in March. We are certain that millions of anxious F1 fans are feeling the same!
“THE MOST CRITICAL ELEMENT LOOKING FORWARD IS TO ENSURE THAT THESE WORKS ARE SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED THROUGH PROPER AND EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF SUPPLY CHAINS.”
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