Kuwait Motor Town
Race track in Kuwait
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kuwait Motor Town is a 5.609 km (3.485 mi) motor racing circuit in Kuwait, located 56 km (35 mi) south of the capital Kuwait City. The main circuit is the first circuit in Kuwait to hold an FIA Grade One and FIM Grade A licence.[2] The Kuwait Motor Town aims to place Kuwait at the forefront of world-class motorsport events.[3][4]
Grand Prix Circuit (2019–present) | |
| Location | Ali Sabah Al Salem, Ahmadi Governorate, Kuwait |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28°55′48″N 48°8′30″E |
| Capacity | 8,000 seated |
| FIA Grade | 1[1][a] |
| Broke ground | 2017 |
| Opened | 28 March 2019 |
| Construction cost | KWD 49 million (US $162 million) |
| Architect | Hermann Tilke |
| Major events | Former: 24H Series Middle East Trophy 12 Hours of Kuwait (2022–2023) FR Middle East (2023) F4 Saudi Arabia (2024) |
| Website | https://www.kmt.kw/ |
| Grand Prix Circuit (2019–present) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 5.609 km (3.485 mi) |
| Turns | 20 |
| Race lap record | 1:47.600 ( Joshua Dufek, Tatuus F3 T-318, 2023, F-Regional) |
| Alternative Grand Prix Circuit (2019–present) | |
| Length | 5.160 km (3.206 mi) |
| Turns | 18 |
| Race lap record | 1:43.065 ( Sergiu Nicolae, Porsche 911 (992) GT3 R, 2023, GT3) |
| National Circuit (2019–present) | |
| Length | 4.540 km (2.821 mi) |
| Turns | 17 |
| South Circuit (2019–present) | |
| Length | 1.597 km (0.992 mi) |
| Turns | 8 |
History
The circuit was penned by Formula One circuit designer Hermann Tilke in early 2017. Construction was undertaken by KCC Engineering and Contracting Company at a reported cost of KWD49 million (US$162 million). Circuit construction was completed in December 2018 with the circuit opening in 2019.[5] Further development around the circuit is set to take place, including an "Entertainment City" shopping centre.[6]
The first event held at the circuit was the opening round of the 2019 Middle East Rally Championship on March 28.[7]
In terms of international auto racing series, 24H Series was the first event, which was held on 2 December 2022.[8]
Events
- Former
- 24H Series Middle East Trophy
- 12 Hours of Kuwait (2022–2023)
- F4 Saudi Arabian Championship (2024)
- Formula 4 UAE Championship (2023)
- Formula Regional Middle East Championship (2023)
- Radical Cup Kuwait (2023–2024)
Lap records
As of December 2023, the fastest official race lap records at Kuwait Motor Town are listed as:
| Category | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix Circuit: 5.609 km (2019–present) | ||||
| Formula Regional | 1:47.600[9] | Joshua Dufek | Tatuus F3 T-318 | 2023 1st Kuwait Formula Regional Middle East round |
| GT3 | 1:52.062[10] | Zdeno Mikulasko | Lamborghini Huracán GT3 | 2022 12 Hours of Kuwait |
| Formula 4 | 1:54.295[11] | James Wharton | Tatuus F4-T421 | 2023 1st Kuwait F4 UAE round |
| Porsche Carrera Cup | 1:55.272[10] | Sergiu Nicolae | Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup | 2022 12 Hours of Kuwait |
| TCR Touring Car | 2:01.297[10] | Kantasak Kusiri | CUPRA León Competición TCR | 2022 12 Hours of Kuwait |
| GT4 | 2:01.330[10] | Bradley Ellis | Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 | 2022 12 Hours of Kuwait |
| Alternative Grand Prix Circuit: 5.160 km (2019–present) | ||||
| GT3 | 1:43.065[12] | Sergiu Nicolae | Porsche 911 (992) GT3 R | 2023 12 Hours of Kuwait |
| Porsche Carrera Cup | 1:46.229[12] | Christopher Zöchling | Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup | 2023 12 Hours of Kuwait |
| GT4 | 1:51.804[12] | Charlie Robertson | BMW M4 GT4 | 2023 12 Hours of Kuwait |
See also
Notes
- Kuwait Motor Town's Grade 1 license expired 19 February 2025.