(Motorsport-Total.com) – Construction work on the Qiddiya Speed Park in Saudi Arabia is in full swing. New images and videos from the site now show the significant progress of the future Formula 1 track.
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Designed by renowned track architect Hermann Tilke in close collaboration with former Formula 1 driver and two-time Le Mans winner Alexander Wurz, the Qiddiya layout breaks with all conventions of the current racing calendar.
“The Blade”: Spectacular images of the 70-meter corner
The absolute highlight, which is already causing a stir, is the gigantic first corner. Christened “The Blade”, this section rises a proud 20 stories (70 meters) high. The latest shots from the construction site show the massive support structures of this left-hand corner – but also fuel safety concerns among fans.
“Wait a minute, what actually happens if someone falls down there?” comments a user on Reddit. Another adds: “Imagine a driver hugging this corner and the car behind uses all its energy to overtake. This enormous speed difference combined with the incline sounds extremely dangerous.”
Expert discussion on safety
But there’s also pushback for the skeptics: “I bet most people who think this is unsafe believe the outer edge with the light boards is the track – when the hairpin is 200 meters further in,” was one reaction.
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Another fan analyzes: “Firstly, it’s an uphill section, and secondly, it’s a hairpin. Drivers will be extremely slow there, similar to Turn 1 in Austin. If you look at the pictures, there’s plenty of run-off area and two separate catch fences. Conceptually, it’s highly unlikely that anyone would simply take off there.”
Facts about the new mega-project
In addition to “The Blade”, the track will comprise a total of 21 corners and be driven counter-clockwise. According to official information from the Qiddiya operators, drivers are expected to reach top speeds of up to 325 kilometers per hour on the track.
The new area is intended as a permanent home for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and is set to replace the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Provided the ambitious timetable is met, the overall project – which includes a theme park and a golf course in addition to the racetrack – could make its debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 2028.
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