Saudi Arabia’s New Race Track in the Air: $40 Billion Project Includes 108 Meter Tall Ramp in Upcoming Circuit

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is just hours away and the excitement is at an all-time high. Will Max Verstappen continue his winning streak through this season? Or will Sergio Perez claim the roads of Jeddah once again? Although the race has got to be the most interesting thing about the weekend in Saudi Arabia, Formula One and the country have some big plans.

It’s been a while now since Saudi Arabia has been trying to get another track on the calendar just on the outskirts of Riyadh. Starting its Formula One journey in 2021, this will be the 4th Grand Prix that will take place in Jeddah, with plans of establishing the new $40 billion track that will have them racing in the skies.

The Qiddiya RollerCoaster track

Saudi Arabia is going all out for the new track that will be made in the city of Qiddiya. It’s safe to say there is nothing conventional about this circuit, with roads that fly 108 meters in the sky and no grandstand. Yup, you heard that right. The new track will feature a ramp with the first turn being elevated over a music venue. The straight after that will also feature a rollercoaster on the side that will compete for top speeds with Formula One cars.

Hermann Tilke was called in to design the track and he has gone all out with the ramp making it feel like the Rainbow Highway from Mario Kart as we transition into a more futuristic era of the sport. And about the grandstands? They will be elevated platforms giving fans a better view of the race.

Read More – 2024 Saudi Arabian GP: Full Schedule for the F1 Race at Jeddah

This long track will feature some fast straights with 3 DRS zones for high-intensity racing. Speeds of 325kmph can be expected as there is a lot of ground to cover.  With a total of 21 corners, there will be a lot of dive bombing that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. We have already mentioned the ramp, but what that comes with, is a name that is hard to miss. The race will start with the first turn nicknamed “the Blade” which is elevated at a height of 108 meters, or about 20 stories high.

When can we expect Qiddiya to host the Saudi Arabian GP?

Obviously, it’s going to take time to build such a track and the earliest prediction of when the track will be ready is 2027. Another thing that makes this track unlike any other, is the fact that it will be the longest track added to the calendar. Saudi Arabia has a contract with Formula One till 2030 and stating that it is ready by 2027, fans will get to enjoy 3 races before a renewal is needed.

For now, the Jeddah street circuit is where fans will get to enjoy the most refined form of racing. Before the track is complete, the 2026 regulation changes will take place and with the new rules, will come a new era of Formula One. That being said, are you excited for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix? Name your picks for the top 3 drivers in the comments below.

Read More – Saudi Arabian GP: Who Is the Sponsor of the Race in Jeddah?