Qiddiya City ‘races’ ahead as motorsport mecca

Article posted by Coliseum, February 26^th, 2025

Image: Qiddiya and Mercedes F1 Team

An attraction dedicated purely to the world of the vehicle manufacturer Mercedes-AMG? Sign us up…

‘mercedesamgf1.com’ stated that that’s exactly what lies in wait for the racing fans around the globe as the team and the Mercedes-AMG announce their latest partnership with the Qiddiya Investment Company.

The Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as the AMG (Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach), is the high-performance subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz AG. The AMG independently hires engineers and contracts with the manufacturers to customize the Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles. The company has its headquarters in Affalterbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The Mercedes-Benz Group AG is a German multinational automotive company headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is one of the world’s leading car manufacturers.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)-based the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) is developing Qiddiya City, the capital of Entertainment, Sports and Culture. As part of Vision 2030, Qiddiya aims to create a world-class destination boosting the entertainment sector, quality of life and tourism in Saudi Arabia. With 360+ km2 of land Southwest of Riyadh the Qiddiya City will offer family-friendly theme parks, sports venues, concert halls, racetracks, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.

Image: Qiddiya and Mercedes F1 Team

The Saudi Vision 2030 is a Government program launched by Saudi Arabia which aims to achieve the goal of increased diversification economically, socially and culturally in line with the vision of the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. It was first announced on April 25^th, 2016 by the Saudi Government.

Say hello to the Mercedes-AMG World of Performance…

‘mercedesamgf1.com’ further stated that the Saudi Arabian City of Qiddiya will play host to the state-of-the-art venue which will deliver an unrivaled selection of immersive, exhilarating and authentic experiences before the start of the 2030s.

Nine floors of interactive exhibits will provide fans with a deep-dive like never before into the world of Mercedes-Benz, from its rich history of motorsport innovation, to its standout and unmatched success on the racetrack over the past two decades – with several attractions dedicated entirely to their Formula One team.

Mercedes-Benz, a German luxury automotive brand of the Mercedes-Benz Group, has been involved in Formula One as both the team owner and engine manufacturer for various periods since 1954. The current Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is based in Brackley, England (UK) and holds a German racing license.

London (UK)-based the Formula One, commonly abbreviated as F1, is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.

Image: Qiddiya and Mercedes F1 Team

Paris (France)-based the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is an international organization with two primary functions surrounding use of the automobile. Its mobility division advocates the interests of motoring organizations, the automotive industry and the motor car users in the fields of road safety and traffic circulation.

The visitors will get first-hand experience of what it’s like to be an F1 driver – from behind-the-scenes preparation in the paddock, to the thrill of the G-Forces (gravitational force behind the wheel. In F1, the drivers race at breakneck speeds and are exposed to extreme G forces during races especially when they are cornering, braking, or accelerating).

The center will feature more than 60 state-of-the art simulators alongside a Motion 4D Simulator Theater while the younger fans will be able to enjoy interactive learning experiences including designing their dream race car and practicing teamwork in a pit garage.

And what better location for all this than an international racetrack?

Parts of the under-construction Qiddiya Speed Park circuit will run underneath the World of Performance allowing the guests to get even closer than ever before to the world of Formula One.

Image: Qiddiya and Mercedes F1 Team

An FIA Grade 1 motor racing circuit the Qiddiya Speed Park is expected to hold a Formula One or MotoGP race (motorcycle racing) currently planned for 2027.

The 21-turn layout will be made up of some of the world’s most iconic corners and has been designed by the former F1 driver Alex Wurz (Austrian former motorsports racing driver) and the world-renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke (German engineer and motorsports racing driver) who has brought tracks such as Bahrain, Shanghai (China), Türkiye, Baku (Azerbaijan), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and Las Vegas (US) to the F1 calendar over the past two decades.

Enthused Toto Wolff, head honcho of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team, “We are incredibly excited to announce this major new collaboration with the Qiddiya Investment Company formalizing a relationship that has been years in the making. The Formula One is a unique sport and we have been working with the world leading experts for several years to ensure that this venue gets fans closer to our team and the sport as a whole than ever before. The Qiddiya City is a cornerstone of the ambitious Vision 2030 plans and its set to become a unique motorsport destination like no other. We are proud to play our part in this and look forward to welcoming our local and international fans in the years ahead.”

Maintained Michael Schiebe, Mercedes-AMG Chief Executive Officer (CEO), “This destination will celebrate our AMG’s rich racing heritage as well as the thrill and adrenaline that defines our brand. The guests will get to experience this up close whether through immersive attractions in the experience center or exclusive driving experiences on the speed park track.”

Added Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, “To partner with one of the world’s most iconic brands, including one of the most successful Formula 1 teams in history, on a project that will bring joy to racing fans across the world is hugely exciting. This unique performance and motorsports center will offer immersive experiences like nowhere else in the world positioning the Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and a bucket list sporting destination where play comes to life.”

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