Qiddiya's Speed Park: the Sci-Fi F1 circuit which could replace Jeddah

Saudi Arabia has released the first computer-generated images of its new F1 race circuit in Qiddiya, which looks likely to move the series further away from the likes of Spa and Monaco and closer to Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road.

The proposed Qiddiya Speed Park Track — designed by Hermann Tilke alongside former F1 driver Alex Wurz — features 21 corners and 108m of elevation change, as it winds past rollercoasters and underneath suspended swimming pools.

Its focal point will be at Turn 1 — otherwise known as ‘The Blade’ — which rises 70 metres (or 20 stories) above a concert space located below; more than double the 30m climb to COTA’s dramatic Turn 1 hairpin.

Saudi Arabia has long intended that the new development will replace the current Jeddah street circuit as the venue for its Formula 1 Grand Prix, but officials have also said that the government is open to retaining the Jeddah race and hosting two F1 rounds per season.

Located in the new Qiddiya City development being built in the desert 40 minutes from capital city Riyadh, the track includes a section described as a street circuit, as well as large high-speed areas which look similar to Suzuka‘s ‘Esses’ or the final sweeping corners at Spa-Francorchamps, with multiple configurations clearly able to be used.

Construction has already begun on golf courses, the first of 12 theme parks and a water park that, along with the circuit are supposed to make the brand new development a “global entertainment, sports and culture hub”, eventually populated by a projected 600,000 residents. It will also feature a new football stadium, a “gaming and esports district”

What is billed as the world’s tallest fastest rollercoaster is set to run alongside the circuit as part of a Six Flags theme park, while the supporting pillars of Turn 1 will form a concert venue at their base.

A publicity video above shows a battle between a single-seater and GT car; a reflection of the hope to attract more than one series to the venue. Formula E already races in the country, while Saudi Arabia has also hosted endurance races.

The cost of building the circuit alone is estimated at $480m by Middle East business publication MEED, and it is not expected to be completed until 2027 at the earliest.

Even so, the publicity bandwagon has already begun, with a Fernando Alonso social media post dripping in marketing speak, calling the circuit plans “one of the most impressive facilities for motor sports worldwide.” It went on to say: With high-speed thrills, incredible elevation, immersive attractions and experiences it’ll excite the fans like never before.”

The chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al Faisal, has previously said that Saudi Arabia is willing to host two grands prix should an agreement be reached with F1.