Kuwait’s state-of-the-art new race circuit will host the country’s return to the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) after a one-year absence this weekend, the first FIA event ever held at the facility.
Kuwait Motor Town Race Circuit was inaugurated under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on March 28th this year. It is the base this week for the Kuwait International Rally, round four of the regional series, over 13 timed desert special stages from Thursday to Saturday afternoon.
The facility
Located at Arifjan, 52km south of Kuwait City, the complex was built in 14 months. The project was the vision of the Amiri Diwan and was brought to life by renowned German engineer and circuit designer Hermann Tilke.
The site has seven race tracks, including a 5.61km FIA Grade One main circuit, plus facilities for drag racing, karting, motocross, rally and dune racing. It offers seating and space for around 8,000 spectators, VIP halls, media facilities, 32 pit garages and parking for around 3,300 vehicles. The track was laid by the Arizona National Company with machine control technology firm Trimble.
The Kuwait International Rally started at the Sirbb karting track near Kuwait City in 2016, but now follows its neighbours in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in using top circuit facilities for off-road rallies. The Qatar International Rally and Qatar Cross-Country Rally both use the Losail International Circuit, and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge traditionally starts and finishes at Yas Marina.
Competitors impressed
This is an excellent facility and I am sure it will have a very exciting future in world motor sport.
Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, MERC leader and top seed
Jordanian enduro rider Ata Al-Hmoud, who won his category at the recent Jordan Baja, is in Kuwait for the rally.
I have been very impressed. The circuit, the set-up, the pits, the facilities, they are all state-of-the-art.
Ata Al-Hmoud
Schedule
Competitors completed their first day of reconnaissance on Tuesday and have a second day on Wednesday. The competitive action starts with a timed super special at 16.00hrs on Thursday (November 1) after the ceremonial start at the Kuwait Motor Town Race Circuit.
The event is organised by the Basil Salem Al-Sabah Motor Racing Club (BMRC) under the chairmanship of Sheikh Athbi Nayef Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, with the General Authority for Sport and the Kuwait International Automobile Club (KIAC).