Located in Qingyuan City in Guangdong Province, the Firestone International Circuit project represents a significant evolution in how motorsport developments are conceived and delivered in China.

Positioned on the edge of Guangzhou — the central city of the Greater Bay Area — the 147-hectare site benefits from proximity to one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world. Guangzhou is approximately one hour away, while Hong Kong and Macau sit within a three-hour radius, placing the project within reach of a vast and highly mobile population.

But this is not simply a circuit development.

From the outset, the project has been framed as a pilot zone for urban-industrial integration, using automotive and motorsport infrastructure as a catalyst for wider economic and cultural activity. With a total investment of approximately RMB 5 billion, the ambition is clear: to create a destination that operates year-round, attracts more than one million visitors annually, and supports both national and international event programmes.

In China, this reflects the emergence of what is increasingly described as a “Track 3.0” model — a shift beyond standalone circuits and even multi-use venues, towards fully integrated ecosystems where motorsport, culture, tourism and commerce are designed to function as a single, interdependent whole.

“At this scale, you’re not designing a track in isolation,” explains Jiale Dong – JD - Regional Manager, China for Apex Circuit Design. “You’re designing a system — how people arrive, how they move through the site, how different elements support each other, and how the project sustains itself commercially over time.”

The first phase, currently under construction, covers approximately 47 hectares and establishes the project’s core infrastructure. This includes an FIA Grade 2 circuit, a CIK-standard karting circuit and off-road experience facilities, alongside supporting elements such as an automotive cultural centre, themed hotel accommodation and commercial streets.

The circuit itself reflects both ambition and precision. At 3.69 kilometres in length, the layout features 14 corners and a 730-metre main straight, with top speeds expected to exceed 300km/h. A 28-metre elevation change — among the most significant for a circuit of its type in China — introduces an additional layer of complexity, shaping both the driving experience and the visual spectacle.

The site presented a unique starting point. Previously a disused quarry with elevation differences of up to 117 metres and steep rock faces, it required a design approach that worked with the terrain rather than attempting to erase it.

“The landscape is not something you remove and rebuild,” JD continues. “It’s something you interpret. In this case, the topography becomes part of the circuit’s identity — not just a constraint, but a defining feature.”

The decision to pursue FIA Grade 2 specification reflects a deliberate strategic choice.

“Grade 1 is often seen as the ultimate aspiration, but it brings constraints that don’t always align with how a facility is used day-to-day,” explains JD. “Grade 2 allows greater flexibility — in design, in operation, and in the types of events you can host — while still delivering a high-performance driving experience.”

That flexibility is essential in a project designed to host a wide spectrum of activity, from 12 major international and national events to more than 30 smaller events annually. The circuit must perform consistently — not just at peak moments, but across continuous, varied use.

Beyond the track, the masterplan introduces a layered destination model. Motorsport acts as the anchor, but the surrounding programme — including a 3,000-square-metre automotive cultural centre, branded hotel accommodation and a flexible commercial street — ensures the site remains active beyond race weekends.

Among the most distinctive elements is the “Sky Ring” — an elevated circular walkway inspired by rotary engine geometry. More than a circulation route, it acts as a visual focal point and viewing platform, integrating movement, spectating and public engagement into a single architectural gesture.

As the project progresses beyond its first phase, further development will introduce additional automotive industry elements and expand its role as both a tourism destination and a commercial hub.

For Apex Circuit Design, Firestone International Circuit represents more than a single project. It is a case study in how motorsport infrastructure is evolving — from standalone venues into integrated environments that support industry, attract visitors and contribute to regional growth.

Or, more simply:

It is what happens when a circuit becomes the centre of something much larger.