MotoGP broadens its horizons, a Saudi GP in the pipeline

For many years now, MotoGP has been a market, as well as a show, and one in continuous expansion no less. The latest news regarding a widening of the world championship geographical map looks to represent an important turning point.  At Misano, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation as well as Saudi Motorsport Company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which underlines their mutual intention to bring MotoGP to Saudi Arabia. A significant move for the world’s highest level motorcycle championship, from a political but also economic and marketing standpoint. Adding Saudi Arabia to the MotoGP calendar would see the sport further expand into the Middle East, flanking Qatar that currently hosts the region’s only round.

MotoGP rides the Formula 1 wave

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The partnership initiative between SMC and Dorna will also see the establishment of a new talent development program for young Saudi riders, designed to increase awareness of and accessibility to the sport in the Kingdom. This aligns with Dorna’s ongoing commitment to young rider development all over the world, using its platforms and championships to launch new riders’ careers and develop pathways to racing in MotoGP.

MotoGP in Saudi Arabia will be staged on a newly constructed, multi-purpose FIM and FIA homologated circuit. Plans to bring MotoGP to the country follow the successful hosting of other major global motorsports series, including the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (since 2021), the Formula E Diriyah ePrix (since 2018), and the Dakar Rally (since 2020).

Carmelo Ezpeleta: "Saudi Arabia a key market for motorsport"

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Under the guidance of Dorna and Carmelo Ezpeleta, in recent years MotoGP has shown it can move with the times and expand into the right markets. The Spanish CEO explains the decision to move in this new direction: "As the leading global championship for two-wheel circuit racing, we are thrilled at this opportunity for MotoGP to expand its reach within the Middle East by adding an annual Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia.  The region is a key market for motorsport and the demand in the Kingdom for events of this kind is growing with research showing that 80% of Saudi fans wanting to see more in their country. In the past few years, Saudi Arabia has shown its ability to stage major global motorsports events to the highest standards. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding codifies our shared intention to explore this opportunity further. We are confident that we will find an exciting and welcoming new home in the Kingdom and we look forward to further collaboration with the Saudi Motorsport Company to deliver on this joint ambition together."

HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal is also pleased: "We are excited to confirm the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Dorna today which clearly outlines our shared goal of bringing MotoGP to Saudi Arabia. It makes perfect sense to add the world’s greatest motorcycle racing series to our growing list of world-class racing events. We look forward to working with Dorna to deliver on our shared commitment to bring the pinnacle of two-wheeled racing to Saudi Arabia and to continue to provide more opportunities and initiatives to enrich the lives of all our residents."

Translated by Heather Watson

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