Qiddiya Speed Park Track
Location
Qiddiya, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
Current Local Time
Track Info
Qiddiya Speed Park Track - Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia
Future Formula 1-standard circuit near Riyadh - anti-clockwise - extremely fast, highly elevated and centred around the spectacular 70-metre-high Blade
When was the track built?
Qiddiya Speed Park Track is being built as part of Qiddiya City, a huge entertainment and sports destination in the mountains southwest of Riyadh. The modern circuit design was publicly unveiled in March 2024, with construction continuing through 2025 and 2026.
Former Formula 1 driver and two-time Le Mans winner Alex Wurz worked with circuit designer Hermann Tilke on the layout. Rather than creating a conventional flat race track, they designed it to weave through Qiddiya's hills and surrounding attractions.
When was its first race?
It has not hosted one yet. As of 2026, Speed Park Track is still under construction and therefore has no official racing history or lap records.
The circuit is intended to host Formula 1 and other major international championships. Formula 1 discussions have pointed towards Qiddiya eventually replacing the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with 2028 widely considered the earliest likely Grand Prix season if construction and homologation are completed on schedule.
What's the circuit like?
- Extremely fast: Qiddiya says the design should allow speeds above 325 km/h. Long acceleration zones will be mixed with major braking areas and technical sequences.
- Huge elevation changes: More than 108 metres of climbing across a lap should make braking points, car balance and visibility much more difficult than on a typical flat modern circuit.
- Part street circuit, part permanent track: Some sections resemble an open purpose-built race course, while others pass directly between Qiddiya City's attractions and entertainment areas.
The most dramatic moment comes immediately at Turn 1. The Blade climbs onto a cantilevered structure 70 metres above the surrounding ground before the circuit drops back into the landscape.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Official race lap record: None - the circuit has not yet opened for racing.
- Design top speed: More than 325 km/h.
- Elevation gain: More than 108 m per lap.
- The Blade: Approximately 70 m above ground level.
- Pit complex: 80 garages, giving the venue capacity for much larger fields than a normal Formula 1 weekend requires.
Any simulator or unofficial lap times should not be treated as circuit records. Official benchmarks will only exist once the completed track begins sanctioned competition.
What is The Blade?
The Blade is the feature that makes Qiddiya unlike any existing major circuit. Turn 1 rises onto an elevated racing surface approximately 70 metres above ground, supported by a huge cantilevered structure.
It is not simply decorative. The elevated track allows spectators around the surrounding entertainment district to see the cars from unusual angles while giving drivers one of the most dramatic elevation changes in modern motorsport.
Why go?
If the finished circuit matches the design, Qiddiya should offer a race weekend unlike a traditional isolated track. The circuit runs through a larger entertainment destination containing Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia and other attractions.
The venue is also planned to operate outside professional race weekends, including public track days and motorsport-club activities. That should make Speed Park Track a year-round motorsport destination rather than a facility used only for Formula 1.
Where's the best place to watch?
- The Blade: Almost certainly the circuit's signature viewing area, with cars climbing towards the spectacular elevated Turn 1.
- High-speed open section: The best place to appreciate the projected 325 km/h-plus speeds and large elevation changes.
- City-side viewing terraces: Qiddiya plans multiple viewing points close to the circuit where spectators can watch the cars pass between surrounding attractions.
The circuit is still under construction, so final grandstand locations, spectator access and the exact Formula 1 configuration may change before the first major race.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Qiddiya Speed Park Track (Riyadh)
Qiddiya Speed Park Track is being built inside Qiddiya City, around 45 km west of central Riyadh. The circuit is not yet operating as a normal race venue, so final event-day transport, parking and entrance arrangements have not been published.
Important: the circuit is still being developed
Qiddiya Speed Park Track is not yet a normal race-day destination. It is being developed as one of the main attractions inside Qiddiya City and is intended to host major international motorsport events, including Formula 1.
The venue is also planned to offer public track days when it is fully operational, but visitor entrances, spectator parking and race-day transport plans may not be confirmed until individual events are announced.
Tip: Do not make travel plans using unofficial circuit gates or parking locations shown on older maps. Follow the information issued for your specific event.
Best way to get there
For visitors travelling from Riyadh, a car, taxi or private transfer is currently the simplest way to reach Qiddiya City. The development is around 45 km from downtown Riyadh on the western side of the city.
Once Speed Park Track begins hosting major events, dedicated traffic routes, parking areas and possible shuttle services are likely to be announced separately for each event.
Driving & parking
- From Riyadh: travel west towards Qiddiya City using the main road network and follow current Qiddiya destination signs.
- Distance: Qiddiya City is approximately 45 km from downtown Riyadh.
- Navigation: use Qiddiya City as your destination until an official Speed Park Track entrance is supplied for your event.
- Event parking: do not assume parking used by other Qiddiya attractions will also serve the circuit.
- Major race weekends: expect temporary traffic plans and specific arrival routes once large spectator events begin.
Always follow event signage and staff directions on arrival rather than relying only on your navigation app.
Public transport
There is currently no completed rail connection directly linking central Riyadh with Speed Park Track.
- Future high-speed rail: plans are being developed for a fast railway connecting Qiddiya City with Riyadh.
- Rail status: the project is still being developed, so do not include it in current travel plans.
- Major events: dedicated buses or shuttles may be introduced when the circuit begins hosting large race weekends.
- Check before travelling: use the transport information issued with your event ticket rather than assuming a regular shuttle operates.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Riyadh: a taxi, ride-hailing vehicle or private transfer avoids the need to hire a car.
- Give the destination clearly: use Qiddiya City and, once available, the official Speed Park Track entrance supplied by your event.
- For major races: normal taxi pickup points may be replaced by designated event transport zones.
- Plan your return: check the approved pickup location before entering the venue, particularly if tens of thousands of spectators are attending.
Riyadh airport
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH): the main airport currently serving Riyadh.
- Airport → Qiddiya: Qiddiya City is approximately 70 km from the airport.
- Direct journey: a rental car, taxi or pre-arranged private transfer is the simplest option if travelling straight to the Qiddiya area.
- Staying in Riyadh: visitors attending several days may prefer accommodation in Riyadh and travel to the circuit each day once race-day transport arrangements are known.
What to expect
Speed Park Track is being designed as a major international motorsport venue rather than a traditional standalone circuit.
- 21 corners: the layout mixes permanent and street-style sections.
- The Blade: the signature first corner rises around 70 metres and is approximately as high as a 20-storey building.
- High speeds: the circuit is designed for speeds above 325 km/h.
- Integrated location: the track passes around and through other attractions within Qiddiya City.
- Track days: Qiddiya plans to open the circuit to enthusiasts outside major race periods.
Event-day tips
- Use current information: the surrounding city is still developing, so roads and entrances shown on older maps may change.
- Leave early: major international races are likely to create heavy traffic between Riyadh and Qiddiya.
- Check your ticket: different ticket categories may eventually use different parking, shuttle or entrance areas.
- Prepare for the climate: bring sun protection and water when attending outdoor daytime activities.
- Check before departure: transport arrangements may be announced specifically for each major event.
Accessibility
Detailed race-day accessibility arrangements for Speed Park Track have not yet been published. If you require accessible parking, step-free transport or assistance, check the information for your specific event once tickets and visitor guidance become available.
Qiddiya Speed Park Track is still being developed, so entrances, parking, public transport and event-day travel arrangements may change significantly before the venue begins regular operations. Always check official Qiddiya City and event information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Qiddiya Speed Park Track (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Qiddiya Speed Park Track is being built into the dramatic Tuwaiq landscape south-west of Riyadh as the future home of Saudi Arabia’s biggest motorsport events. The circuit is not yet open, but Qiddiya already has major family attractions, while historic Diriyah, museums, traditional food and desert scenery are within reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Six Flags Qiddiya City: The theme park opened at the end of 2025 with dozens of rides, including the enormous Falcons Flight roller coaster. It is the easiest full-day family attraction beside the future circuit.
- Aquarabia: Saudi Arabia’s first major water theme park sits within Qiddiya City, with slides, pools, family attractions and more adventurous water experiences.
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia: Head into Riyadh for an accessible introduction to the country’s archaeology, history and culture through thousands of objects and displays.
History & culture stops
- At-Turaif, Diriyah: Explore the UNESCO-listed mud-brick district that was the heart of the First Saudi State. Salwa Palace and traditional Najdi architecture make it one of Riyadh’s essential historic sights.
- Al Masmak Palace: This fortress in central Riyadh played an important role in the story of Saudi unification and works well with a visit to the nearby traditional markets.
- Souq Al Zal: Browse antiques, carpets, incense, traditional clothing, coffee equipment and other goods in one of Riyadh’s oldest market areas.
Eat & drink like a local
- Kabsa: Start with one of Saudi Arabia’s best-known dishes - fragrant spiced rice served with chicken or meat and designed for sharing.
- Jareesh: A traditional dish made from crushed wheat, often slowly cooked until creamy and served with meat or other savoury toppings.
- Bujairi Terrace: Overlooking historic Diriyah, this dining area has more than 20 restaurants and cafés ranging from Saudi cooking to international choices.
Get outdoors around Riyadh
- Wadi Hanifah: Follow landscaped trails and open spaces through Riyadh’s major natural valley. It is particularly pleasant for an evening walk or picnic when temperatures are comfortable.
- Tuwaiq Mountains: Qiddiya itself sits beside the escarpment, giving the future circuit a much more dramatic setting than a typical flat desert racetrack.
- Edge of the World: Venture farther from the city for enormous cliff-top views across the desert. A guided 4x4 trip is the simplest option for first-time visitors.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Diriyah: Allow half a day or more for At-Turaif, Wadi Hanifah and dinner at Bujairi Terrace rather than rushing through the historic district.
- Central Riyadh: Combine the National Museum, Al Masmak and Souq Al Zal for a straightforward introduction to the capital.
- Edge of the World: Make this a dedicated desert excursion rather than trying to squeeze it between activities at Qiddiya.
Good to know before you go
- The circuit is not open yet: Speed Park Track remains under construction in 2026, so do not travel to Qiddiya expecting a normal race meeting or public circuit access.
- Formula 1 is planned for 2028: Circuit designer Tilke currently lists 2028 for the opening and first Formula 1 event, while construction and final specifications are still developing.
- Qiddiya itself is already worth visiting: Six Flags and Aquarabia mean there are now major attractions beside the future circuit even before racing begins.
- Prepare for the climate: Summer heat can be extreme. Outdoor sightseeing is generally easier early or late in the day, with water and sun protection essential.
Qiddiya Speed Park Track is still under construction. Opening dates, Formula 1 plans, circuit specifications, attraction hours and access arrangements can change - check current information before you travel.