Saudi Arabia's planned Qiddiya circuit targeting future F1 race
Saudi Arabia has unveiled the track plans for a circuit at its Qiddiya development, and the project is targeting a future Formula 1 race.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit that will play host to this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was only ever intended to be a temporary home for F1, with the Qiddiya tourism mega-project in Riyadh meant to become the permanent location. Construction delays have pushed back that move until 2027 at the earliest, but on Tuesday the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) unveiled its plans for what it is calling the Speed Park Track.
The 21-turn layout has been designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz and German circuit designer Hermann Tilke, and utilizes the landscape to create multiple elevation changes. The designers say the centerpiece of this will be Turn 1 – known as the “Blade” – that is described as “an awe-inspiring elevated section of circuit that dramatically rises more that 20 stories above the ground."
The track will include a street circuit section as well as a fast and flowing open portion, and it will be integrated into other attractions within the Qiddiya project. The “Blade” will climb above a music venue, while other sections of the track will pass rollercoasters and a water theme park.
QIC managing director Abdullah Aldawood says the intention is not only to host F1 in future, but also other categories of racing.
“The Speed Park Track will be a true embodiment of Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy and position Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and one of the world’s leading motorsport venues,” Aldawood said.
“Visitors and spectators will be treated to one of the most unique race experiences in the world with a pioneering track that will be ready to host some of the world’s biggest motorsport events.”
The latest update about the Qiddiya circuit does not include a firm target date for any future F1 race.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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