Saudi Arabia unveils grand plans for Qiddiya Motorsport Circuit, eyes potential for Two F1 Races
by EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | March 19, 2024 | News
Saudi Arabia Qiddiya Motorsport Circuit
Saudi Arabia reveals extravagant plans for a new motorsport circuit in the new city of Qiddiya, with the prospect of two F1 races in the Gulf country in the future not out of the question.
The new track, one feature of the major Qiddiya construction project 30 miles from the capital city of Riyadh, will have 21 corners and a unique elevated first corner, known as Blade, which rises 70 metres above a concert space below it.
The holograms released also show a theme park running parallel to the circuit – including what is set to be the world’s tallest, longest and fastest rollercoaster – and a glass-bottomed swimming pool overlooking the track. The project will not be completed until 2027 at the earliest.
A street circuit on the Jeddah corniche has hosted the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix since 2021, with the fourth iteration scheduled this weekend.
The original plan in Saudi was for Qiddiya to replace Jeddah when construction is complete, though the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation made it clear last year that they would be keen to host two races if an agreement could be reached with F1.
The new track will have 21 corners & a unique elevated first corner, known as Blade, which rises 70 metres above a concert space below it.