In Saudi Arabia, the spending for the construction of Qiddiya Speed Park is reaching new heights: it will be the first track in the world to feature a cantilevered bank
This is the city of entertainment, and it certainly doesn’t give the impression of being a place where fun isn’t at the center. In Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia, work is nonstop to build a true paradise: theme parks, golf courses, roller coasters, and much more, totaling over 400 tourist attractions. Among them? One of the most insane Formula 1 circuits the sport has ever seen, set to be ready in just three years.
We’re talking about the Qiddiya Speed Park Track, a circuit that is likely to replace the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah: Saudi Arabia aims to build “the most important motorsport center in the world for both drivers and spectators,” with several records already set to be broken.
Initially scheduled for 2023, the circuit will now be used starting in the 2027 F1 World Championship: designed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and Hermann Tilke, it will feature the first-ever 70-meter cantilevered bank, with both open-track and city-track configurations, 80% of the track being surrounded by buildings and natural landscapes.
The top speed expected is around 325 km/h, with 21 total turns and three DRS zones: a circuit that even Norris has called “fantastic, with a crazy idea.”
Qiddiya, the city of fun
64 billion euros of investment, 325,000 additional jobs to build it, and over 48 million tourists expected each year: these are the numbers behind the construction of Qiddiya, “the city of fun,” which is set to become the world capital of both entertainment and sporting events.
With breathtaking stadiums and an unprecedented circuit, Saudi Arabia is set to invest tens of billions of euros in sports: the goal is to transfer European passion to the Middle East, a mission that won’t be easy to accomplish with money alone.
Photo: Qiddiya
Source: MegaBuilds