“Zero grandstands” Qiddiya Speed Park aiming to redefine fan experience

It would have previously been seen as something of a shock if a new motor-racing circuit announced no grandstands would be constructed to house spectators.

But for the promoters of Qiddiya Speed Park, it is the next step in changing the live experience for fans.

Qiddiya City launched in December 2023 and, once complete, will be half the size of Singapore.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, it will contain theme parks, a stadium that will host FIFA World Cup fixtures in 2034 as well as the new motorsport venue.

With hopes of hosting several series when completed, the target of 2027 is still in place, Qiddiya is aiming to stand out from the pack.

Formula 1 driver Lando Norris is one of those who has been impressed by the “crazy” plans he has seen so far and, speaking at the Autosport Business Exchange: London, Abdulaziz Alaqel, executive director of motorsport asset development for Qiddiya, revealed the latest eye-catching design.

“What makes Qiddiya Speed Park different to any other circuit in the world? There are three factors,” he said.

“Number one, it’s a combination between being built as a track and a street track, or as we call it, the ‘city loop’. This loop will be fully integrated within Qiddiya City. At certain portions of the track, the driver will be racing alongside the tallest, fastest roller coaster ever built.

“Secondly, we will have zero grandstands, we are pushing the design when it comes to the fans and spectators. We will have different hospitality packages across the infield, the outfield and all over the city.

“The third important point is that our track is the only one that is capable to host all international and elite motorsport championships, as examples, but not limited to, Formula 1, Formula E, MotoGP, WEC and GT races – we have 80 garages.”

The headline-grabber surrounding Qiddiya Speed Park construction has been the Blade, which will eclipse the 22-metre elevation of Eau Rouge at Spa-Francorchamps.

“We have 21 corners,” added Alaqel. “The famous turn is number one, which is the Blade. It’s elevated 70 metres above the ground, equivalent to a 20-storey building with a slope of 10 degrees.

“If you take one lap of our track, it is not flat. The total elevation here is around 108 metres.”

As with the majority of Saudi Vision projects, the ambitions are grand and Andrew Mallery, executive director of motorsport strategy for Qiddiya, is no different.

“Simply, the strategy behind it is to make sure that we put Saudi Arabia on the map as a global motorsport hub,” he said.

“We’re leveraging cutting edge infrastructure. We’re obviously aligning to international standards, but we’re taking it a step further than that.

“We want this to be an authentic motorsport destination, so we’ll be partnering with brands, with global influences, with automotive brands, with motorsport brands, to make sure we bring that authenticity to Qiddiya City and enhance motorsport throughout Saudi Arabia.”