Saudi Arabia has shared some official plans for the brand-new, purpose-built Qiddiya circuit which is set to host the country’s annual Formula 1 race in the future.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been on the F1 calendar since 2021, holding the penultimate round that season before moving to its now traditional earlier slot.
But the Jeddah street circuit had been viewed as an interim fixture, with Saudi Motorsport Company CEO Martin Whitaker issuing the intention to move in 2027.
Ahead of the fourth running of the Saudi Arabian GP in Jeddah this weekend, such plans have been revealed for a circuit 30 miles from the capital city of Riyadh.
The Qiddiya Speed Park Track will combine elements of permanent circuits and street tracks to challenge the drivers with a mix of high and low-speed sections.
There will also be distinguishable elevation changes across the lap, with the opening turn – dubbed ‘Blade’ – which will rise to the equivalent of a 20-storey building.
Although it has been confirmed that the circuit’s grand prix layout will comprise 21 corners in total, the length of the track has not been disclosed at this nascent stage.
Meanwhile, ex-F1 driver and GPDA Chairman Alex Wurz has co-operated on the plans with renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke, who devised the Jeddah track.
The track’s construction will form a part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to create “a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation”.
Saudi’s latest blockbuster venture will see grandstands exchanged for “multiple vantage points and viewing terraces”, with the Six Flags rollercoaster to run parallel.
Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company said: “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.
“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.”
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