Saudi Motorsports breaks silence on claims that the new $500 million circuit will be ‘another F1 white elephant’

Saudi Motorsports has big hopes about the Formula One circuit that would the most extravagent track ever made.

Saudi Motorsports breaks silence on claims that the new $500 million circuit will be ‘another F1 white elephant’

F1 (Via IMAGO)

Jeddah is the current home of the Formula One Circuit in Saudi Arabia, where races are held each season. But the nation is now prepared for the construction of a new circuit at Qiddiya as part of the governments “Vision 20230” programmed. There were claims after the announcement that the $500 millon project would be another cash dump.  

The Qiddiya circuit will have an elevation of 108 metres and over 21 corners, with three proposed DRS zones. The first corner, known as the blade, will have a 70-meter upward slope and be clearly marked by an LED light display. While speaking about their F1 circuit plans, the CEO of the Saudi Motorsports, Martin Whitaker has rejected assumptions that this project will be another F1 white elephant.

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It's also important to consider that when it comes to staging a Formula 1 race in Qiddiya, everything's got to be right. You cannot run on a circuit that might be finished but where the infrastructure around it isn't. Essentially, everything needs to come together at the same time, which I'm sure it will.
Martin Whitaker said via racingnews365.com.

While taking their inspiration from the monopoly board, the CEO stated the process will begin after they say ‘GO’, but first, there are many things that they need to take into consideration. With Qiddiya the situation is different from Jeddah. According to Whitaker at the moment it’s difficult to predict when the first F1 races will take place, but they have a perfect plan, and reckons it is all coming together. 

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Qiddiya Racing Track is about to become the most spectacular jewel of Saudi Motorsports

The Saudi Arabian Motorsports has made an announcement regarding the new Racing circuit, which is located in Qiddiya. But the surprise element is that it’s more than just a racing circuit. Saudi Arabia is known for its ambitious plans in regard to motorsports, especially F1.  The track is supposed to be the biggest track in the international championships. The track is designed by none other than, former Formula One driver Alex Wurz and renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke.

Sergio Perez driving the RB20 during the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 2024 Feature
One of the prime considerations you've got to remember is that Qiddiya is not just a racing track, it's a whole city, like a huge theme park, in a sense. You've got other many sports, golf, soccer, motorsport, and you've got all the entertainment that goes with it, and then you've got residential, retail, hotels. It's the whole nine yards, a spectacular venue.
Martin Whitaker said.

The track is built around keeping the whole experience rather than focusing solely on racing. The track consists of multiple configurations, and integrated sections, as a street circuit, the track flows while blending with its surroundings. What’s more exciting part is that the track is blended with water and theme park. 

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