Saudi Arabian Sport Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal has revealed that he is considering bringing the MotoGP World Championship to the nation in the future.
Saudi Arabia has expanded its international motorsport portfolio in recent years, with the country set to host its second Formula 1 grand prix this weekend, while it also holds an annual Formula E event, and has been the home of the Dakar Rally since 2020.
The country’s current Formula 1 venue, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, is not suitable to hold two-wheeled competition due to the lack of run-off, though an entertainment and sports complex known as Qiddiya is under construction near capital Riyadh.
The circuit is being evaluated as a viable venue to bring MotoGP to in the future.
“I think we are already the home of motorsport in the region, we now host three FIA World Championship events and are looking at more in future,” said Al-Faisal.
“There is an ambition to expand and develop the motorsport we host and the one we are considering in due course is MotoGP.
“I know that it will require a different kind of racetrack to Jeddah, one which has a special specification for the bikes, but with our new entertainment city currently under construction in Qiddiya, it is something that will be considered in the future.”
While Formula 1 has four partners in the region – Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and 2023 returnee Qatar – MotoGP features just one round, with Qatar having held a round since 2004.
