Iraq Motorsport City – Basra

When was the track built?

Thanks to its oil exporting market and its location, being the country’s main port and close to Kuwait, Basra has been involved in many rumors about unbelievable and magnificent estate developments like the Palace District and the Bridal Tower, which we’re not sure will never see the light.
The massive motorsport city, all designed by me, a one-of-a-kind complex including the Formula One racetrack, a 4.4km external semi-oval with a banked first corner, a karting circuit, a 1.2km long drag strip, a 5.4km MotoGP version, which cuts out the tight hairpin 12, and other several internal versions for most 2- and 4-wheel racing, will definitely be a start to re-launching the city.
They’re surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities, like the hotel that goes above and around the iconic turn 20, the two observation towers, and the marina multiplex close to the canal that opens on the gulf.
Phase 1, with the motorsport section, is expected to be completed in 2023, with the remaining buildings shortly after.

When was its first Grand Prix?

It will be the first ever race in this country.
It will have a secured spot in the F1 Middle East Continental Series.

What’s the circuit like?

Focusing on the F1 side, the racetrack offers plenty of overtaking spots and interesting curves, with a sector one rich in fast sweeping corners, with a challenging high-speed change of direction at turn 6.
The central section is the “hairpin one”, with long straights in between and, after a tight sequence of 90° bends, we enter in the most iconic part of the circuit, inspired by Istanbul turn 8, the triple-apex turns 20-21, with the hotel that provides a stadium-like feeling as cars goes below it approaching the corner, while the roof of the other three segments of the hotel will provide an open-air stand.
The final chicane will also be a great opportunity for a last lunge.

Where is it located?

Just outside the city centre, on the West side, with the airport 5km to the north and the border with Kuwait 50km to the south. (30°30’13.4″N, 47°42’29.1″E)