Qiddiya roars to life with Speed Park

Image: Qiddiya

Saudi Arabia took a giant leap into the world of international motorsport as the Kingdom revealed plans for an innovative motorsport track in Qiddiya City.

Positioned as one of the world’s leading motorsport venues, the Speed Park Track is set to redefine the landscape of racing and propel Saudi Arabia to the forefront of global motorsport championships.

Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) recently awarded the local United Maintenance and Contracting Company (UNIMAC) an estimated SR1.8bn ($480m) contract to deliver the racetrack and associated infrastructure at Qiddiya’s Speed Park.

Nestled in the heart of Qiddiya City and framed by the formidable Tuwaiq Mountains, the Speed Park Track promises an exhilarating experience for racing enthusiasts worldwide.

Image: Qiddiya

Boasting a fast-flowing design with 21 corners, the track’s centerpiece is the awe-inspiring “Blade” at turn one – an elevated section that rises over 20 stories above the ground.

This groundbreaking feature, along with the incorporation of Qiddiya City’s dramatic landscape, contributes to an elevation gain of over 108 meters per lap.

The brainchild of Austrian former Formula One driver Alex Wurz and German circuit designer Hermann Tilke, the Speed Park Track stands as a testament to its designers’ commitment to pushing boundaries.

Tailored for drivers by drivers, the track’s multiple configurations include a street circuit section and a fast open track section, seamlessly integrated with Qiddiya’s neighboring attractions.

Image: Qiddiya

 

Entertainment, Sports, and Culture Fusion

Qiddiya City aims to transform into a global destination for entertainment, sports, and culture, anchored by the transformative power of play.

Spectators and visitors alike will witness an immersive race experience, complemented by multiple vantage points and viewing terraces around the track.

The adrenaline-fueled atmosphere extends beyond the racing circuit, integrating with cultural and entertainment hubs that embody Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy, QIC said.

The under-construction Qiddiya City was launched in 2018 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz and is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program. It is about two and a half times the size of Walt Disney World in Florida, US. Qiddiya City will host a year-round calendar of some of the biggest esports tournaments. It will also have roller coasters that rival the F1 cars.

Image: Qiddiya

Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of QIC, said, “The track will be ready to host globally renowned racing events that appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Overlooked by the formidable Tuwaiq Mountains in Qiddiya City, it will be surrounded by adrenaline-fueled attractions, experiences, and events, providing a fully immersive experience that transcends beyond racing.

“It’s not just a venue; it’s the culmination of our efforts to position Qiddiya City at the center of global motorsport. Our vision for the track extends beyond the thrill of racing – spectators will get to witness one of the most elevated and immersive race experiences in the world, reinventing the sport as we know it.”
 

Seamless integration

The Speed Park Track seamlessly integrates with surrounding attractions, with the “Blade” turn rising above a music venue and drivers racing alongside Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest rollercoaster at Six Flags Qiddiya City.

Image: Qiddiya

Sections of the track will also run alongside a water theme park, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

Aligned with Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy, the unveiling of the Speed Park Track underscores the city’s commitment to human cognitive development, emotional expression, social skills, creativity, and physical health.

Leveraging decades of research on the positive effects of recreational activities on society, the track becomes a pivotal component of the broader Qiddiya vision, QIC added.

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• motorsport
• Qiddiya
• Saudi Arabia
• Speed Park

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