PLANS for a brand new Formula One track in Saudi Arabia have been unveiled.
Since it joined the F1 calendar in 2021, the Saudi Grand Prix has taken place on a street circuit in Jeddah.
However, it is set to be moved later this decade.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit will be replaced by the Qiddiya Circuit, a “unique” purpose-built track situated 30 miles from the capital city of Riyadh.
The proposed track, designed by ex-F1 star Alex Wurz and established circuit designer Herman Tilke, features 21 corners and 108 metres of elevation change.
Plans for an elevated first corner, which will be known as Blade, have also been released.
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The corner is expected to rise 70 metres above the floor over a concert space.
A Six Flags theme park is set to run parallel to the track and will feature the world’s tallest, longest and fastest rollercoaster.
Computer-generated images of the circuit also show a glass-bottomed swimming pool suspended over the track.
Discussing the plans, 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.
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“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 new track is not expected to be ready until 2027 at the earliest.
F1 returns to Jeddah this weekend for the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen won the opening race of the season in Bahrain last week, with his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez finishing second and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz third.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
