Saudi Arabia has made significant progress towards hosting a round of the MotoGP World Championship after signing a contract with Dorna, the rights holder of the competition, as both parties announced on Monday. Dorna stated on its official website: "Dorna Sports and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) have confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding outlining their joint intention to bring elite motorcycle racing to the Kingdom."
The press release continued: "Adding Saudi Arabia to the MotoGP calendar, on an annual basis, will contribute to additional momentum for this sport in the Middle East, as Qatar is currently hosting the only round in the region." The statement did not specify the date or the circuit that will host the grand prize.
MotoGP clarified that the round will take place at a newly built circuit approved by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM). The venue is likely to be the Qiddiya circuit, named after a massive entertainment city near Riyadh.
Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, tweeted: ".. We look forward to organizing the best motorcycle races in the world in the Kingdom ..". Meanwhile, the Saudi Motorsport Company stated on the sidelines of the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday: "... His Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company, signed a memorandum of understanding with Dorna Sports, the rights holder of the MotoGP Championship, to achieve shared goals that contribute to bringing the best motorcycle races in the world to the Kingdom."
Investing in sports is part of a multifaceted strategy approved six years ago to diversify the oil-dependent Gulf state's economy, as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's long-term project. In prominent motor competitions, the wealthy Gulf state has been hosting the Dakar Rally since 2020 and a Grand Prix within the Formula One World Championship held on a street circuit in Jeddah.
