At the MotoGP weekend in Misano, the Saudi Motorcycle Federation and rights holder Dorna agree on a joint future
MotoGP rights holder Dorna and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at bringing the World Motorcycle Championship to Saudi Arabia. The signing was made at the San Marino Grand Prix by Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Dorna was represented by CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.
In addition to a potential Grand Prix, the partnership initiative between SMC and Dorna also sees the establishment of a new talent development programme for young Saudi riders to increase awareness of and access to the sport in the Kingdom.
MotoGP in Saudi Arabia is to be held at a newly built multi-use track with FIM and FIA homologation. The plans to bring MotoGP to Saudi Arabia follow the successful staging of other major global motorsport series in the Kingdom in recent years, including Formula 1’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix (since 2021), the Formula E Diriyah ePrix (since 2018), the Dakar Rally (since 2020) and the Extreme E Series (since 2021).
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“We are pleased to confirm the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Dorna, which clearly outlines our common goal of bringing MotoGP to Saudi Arabia,” commented Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal.
“It makes sense to add the world’s greatest motorbike racing series to our growing list of world-class racing events. We look forward to working with Dorna to fulfil our shared commitment to bring the pinnacle of two-wheel racing to Saudi Arabia and continue to provide more opportunities and initiatives to enrich the lives of all our residents. “
Great demand in the Middle East excites Carmelo Ezpeleta
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta sees the deal with Saudi Arabia as a great opportunity to further capture the Middle East region, previously only represented by the Qatar Grand Prix at Losail.
“As the leading global championship for two-wheel circuit racing, we are very excited about the opportunity for MotoGP to expand its reach in the Middle East with an annual Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia. The region is a key market for motorsport and demand in the Kingdom for events of this nature is growing,” noted Ezpeleta.
“Research shows that 80% of Saudi fans want to see more racing in their country. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has proven that it is capable of hosting major global motorsport events at the highest level,” said the Dorna CEO.
“We are confident that we will find an exciting and welcoming new home in the Kingdom and we look forward to continuing to work with the Saudi Motorsport Company to achieve this common goal,” commented Ezpeleta.
