Motorsports

Herman Tilke To Design Fastrackcity Iskandar

BY Azfar Hashim

The circuit includes a specially designed Hill Climb Track, CIK Grade A International Kart Circuit and a comprehensive Advanced Handling Park for road safety training

FASTrack Iskandar Sdn Bhd has unveiled its design at the Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios in an official ceremony officiated by YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia while HRH The Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who is the Chairman of FASTrack Iskandar witnessed the proceedings. The ceremony was also attended by the YAB Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Chief Minister of Johor, members of Johor State Executive Council, representatives from various government agencies, senior leadership team members of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Khazanah Nasional Berhad, FASTrack Autosports (Iskandar) Pte. Ltd., FASTrack Iskandar, UEM Sunrise as well as key business owners and representatives of the motorsports industries.

Strategically located at the gateway within Iskandar Puteri, Fastrackcity is approximately 10 minutes away from the Tuas SecondLink Checkpoint. The development is set to become the ultimate automotive lifestyle hub for enthusiasts of all ages in Malaysia, Singapore and beyond. The development will feature a 4.45km state-of-the-art Grade 1 Federation Internationale Automobile (FIA) and Grade A Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) international circuit. The terrain-hugging track takes advantage of the site’s natural 60-metre elevation differential, hence providing a racing experience like no other race tracks in Asia.

With Hermann Tilke behind the design of the track, motorsports enthusiasts can expect an incredible driving experience on a unique track that takes its cues from the Nordschleife of Nurburgring, Germany, with its natural undulating terrain. Tilke, a world renowned track designer, has designed Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, as well as other modern F1 race circuits throughout Asia and recently, Circuit of Americas in the USA. Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, Toyota and Ferrari have also commissioned him to design test track facilities across the globe.

The ultra-modern track features seven different configurations, three full track configurations, three north track configurations and one south track configuration. The north portion of the track boasts challenging turns intertwining with the rolling terrain whilst the south portion of the track enjoys straights capable of clocking speed as high as 313 km/h. Another unique feature of the track is the night lighting facility that will ensure action day and night.

Located within the middle of the International Circuit are the Hill Climb Section, 1.5 km Grade-A Commission Internationale De Karting (CIK) Kart Circuit, Advanced Handling Park, 4x4 Park and Motorcycle Park, all within walking distance from one other.  The Advanced Handling Park is perfect for road safety training as it features a Kick Plate and Circular Skid Pan facilities. The 4x4 Park features thrilling obstacles that will take any 4x4 vehicle through its paces.

The various tracks are complemented by world-class amenities and facilities designed by award-winning RSP Architects Planners & Engineers. The modern Kart Building and Hill Climb Building are both capable of hosting its own events concurrently with events happening on the International Circuit. Both buildings come fully equipped with garage and hospitality facilities.

The entire circuit is duty-free for vehicles and houses the high security Auto Vault, the ideal parking facility for highly-prized vehicles. The AutoHub features a cluster of automotive workshops and a community of sought-after marques located beside the main paddock. The state-of-the-art Pit Building is home to comprehensive race-ready facilities, as well as a number of hospitality lounges complete with its own kitchen facilities.

In providing for the ultimate in automotive lifestyle, Fastrackcity’s Speed Gallery located at the centre of the circuit features a sprawling automotive exposition space, show galleries, food and beverage outlets and family-friendly recreational facilities, including a picturesque Lake Park, a 4-star motorsports-themed hotel and freehold land plots for commercial mixed-use developments.

Expansion plans are also underway to create a self-sustaining automotive eco-system, complete with business, commercial and leisure facilities. Fastrackcity will offer Asia-based motorsports R&D facilities and a host of quality industrial spaces for the automotive industry, with a targeted completion date by 2019.

Mr. Barry Kan, Director of FASTrack Iskandar remarked, “It has taken FASTrack Iskandar much time and effort to arrive at the finalised design and concept of this lifestyle development.  We are excited that we are one step closer to developing Asia’s premier fully-integrated motorsports facility which will be the go-to destination for the region’s motorsports enthusiasts.”Â