Dorna Signs Saudi Arabia MotoGP Deal
Madrid based Dorna Sports, the FIM's MotoGP rights holder, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) to host a MotoGP round in Saudi Arabia - SMC is the dedicated commercial entity established to bring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) motorsport events under a single umbrella.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta
(left) with HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman
of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi
Motorsport Company (SMC).
SMC acts as the local promoter for KSA's growing motorsport events portfolio, which currently includes the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Formula E Diriyah ePrix, the world-renowned Dakar Rally and an annual round of the Extreme E series.
The signing of the deal took place in September at the San Marino Grand Prix by HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company and by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.
Commenting on the deal, Dorna stated: "The FIM MotoGP World Championship is watched by more than 800 million people, broadcasting live to more than 200 countries around the world. The addition of Saudi Arabia to the MotoGP calendar on an annual basis will see the sport expanding further into the Middle East, with Qatar currently hosting the only round in the region.
"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."
Carmelo Ezpeleta is quoted as saying: "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 GP 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."