Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Speed Park Track is 42% complete, with work progressing on the motorsport facility that is designed to bring Formula 1 and other major international motor racing events to the kingdom.
Saudi Projects said that located within the wider Qiddiya City, approximately 40km from Riyadh, the circuit is being developed as part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategy to establish itself as a global destination for sport, entertainment and tourism.
The development will introduce a 21-turn circuit combining permanent racetrack sections with street circuit configurations, creating a hybrid layout that integrates with the surrounding entertainment and leisure attractions.
The design accommodates various motorsport formats. One standout feature is The Blade, an elevated circuit section at Turn One that rises 70 metres above ground level, roughly equivalent to 20 storys.
Dubbed the world’s first elevated cantilevered racetrack corner, this structure is a defining feature of the circuit.
Designed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke, The Blade’s elevated position aims to provide spectators with distinctive viewing angles across the circuit.
The circuit boasts 80 garages and is capable of supporting speeds exceeding 325km/h.
More than 108 metres of elevation change per lap will be incorporated, utilising the natural topography of the surrounding Tuwaiq Mountains to create a more challenging racing environment.
The layout combines two distinct configurations: a fast open racing section and a street circuit winding through Qiddiya City’s entertainment and leisure districts.
Sections of the track will even run alongside major attractions like Six Flags Qiddiya City’s Falcon’s Flight rollercoaster and a planned water park.
Spectator facilities are also a key aspect of the development. Rather than relying solely on traditional grandstands, the design incorporates viewing terraces and multiple vantage points throughout and within the circuit, bringing spectators closer to the action.
Beyond major international competitions, the venue is intended to support Saudi Arabia’s domestic motorsport industry.
Plans include open track days for enthusiasts, motorsport club activities, exhibitions, tournaments and other events during periods outside the major racing calendar.
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) 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.
The Speed Park Track is a central component of Qiddiya City’s wider development, which was launched in 2018 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme.
Located approximately 40km from Riyadh, Qiddiya City is planned to be around two and a half times the size of Walt Disney World in Florida, US, and will feature a year-round calendar of major esports tournaments alongside sporting, entertainment and cultural attractions.
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