The first corner climbs 20 stories high, the main straight runs alongside a roller coaster, and the track combines road and track sections that can be expanded into one of the longest circuits in the world.
The Qiddiya City Speed Park track, just outside Riyadh, was designed by Hermann Tilke, the legendary F1 architect, while former F1 driver Alexander Wurz gave his driver's perspective on its layout. The team behind the facility also worked with the developers of the brand new city to seamlessly integrate it with the urban entertainment districts that surround it.
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Abdullah Aldawood, chief executive of Qiddiya Investment Company, said its development “will bring us one step closer to positioning Qiddiya City as the home of global motorsport”.
He explained: “The circuit will be ready to host world-renowned racing events catering to a very diverse audience. Dominated by the formidable Tuwaiq Mountains in the city of Qiddiya, it will be surrounded by adrenaline-pumping attractions, experiences and events, offering a completely engaging that goes beyond racing.”
“The speed park track will be seamlessly integrated into its environment and the very fabric of the city, with competitors taking the first turn above a music venue and racing Six Flag's Falcon's Flight, complete with retail offerings, catering and hospitality that ensure visitors a unique experience where sport, entertainment and culture collide”.
A new racing concept
The track design combines the best of both types of racing, with a road section that passes through the city's contemporary architecture and a fast, open circuit section that whizzes past entertainment, hospitality and leisure destinations, including a water park and a theme park.
The track features “The Blade”, a high-speed curve that rises and falls 108 meters (20 stories).
Aldawood said: “What really sets the Speed Park track apart is its ability to accommodate a wide range of motorsport events. From the iconic 'Blade' towering over a music venue to road sections that pass through cultural neighbourhoods, the track will set the benchmark for the industry, redefining the world of motorsports for competitors and spectators.”
The viewing experience will also be quite unique, as conventional grandstands will be abandoned in favor of elevated terraces. The idea? The height allows observation areas to be placed much closer to the track, creating multiple observation points right on the edge of the racing action and offering a new type of immersive experience for motorsports fans.
The track makes the most of the 100+ meters of altitude difference, with the promise of a wide range of different viewing points along its length.
Aldawood explains: “It's not just a facility, it's the culmination of our efforts to position Qiddiya City as the home of global motorsport. Our vision for the track goes beyond the thrill of racing: spectators will be able to witness one of the most elevated and engaging world, reinventing sport as we know it.”
Motorsports and entertainment come together
Developers have followed the recent trend of combining racetracks and entertainment venues – which has proven extremely popular in Miami and Las Vegas – but this time they are more connected than ever, as the entire city is currently under construction and the circuit has been integrated within densely developed urban entertainment zones, right from the start.
The 'Blade' curve is set to become legendary, literally climbing to the top of a live music venue, while another section sees the track positioned perfectly to give riders the unique chance to test their top speed against the rollercoaster highest in the world, Falcon's flight, which is part of the nearby Six Flags Qiddiya City.
Aldawood added: “Our aim is to provide an unprecedented immersive experience, which fans around the world can enjoy. Thanks to its cutting-edge technology, the unique versatility of the circuit will guarantee spectators an innovative motorsport experience , unlike any other. This will allow visitors to enjoy complementary on-site offerings and extend their visit beyond the racing experience.”
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