The commercial rights holder for MotoGP, Dorna, said on Monday that the sport had struck an agreement to stage races in Saudi Arabia.
Without providing further details, it stated that a future Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would take place on a recently built, multipurpose track.
The sport will advance further into the Middle East with Saudi Arabia’s annual inclusion on the MotoGP calendar, according to a statement from Dorna.
Since 2004, MotoGP has competed in the area, with a floodlit night grand prix in Qatar.
In order to create champions of the future, Dorna stated that the agreement would also result in a brand-new talent development program for young Saudi riders.
Saudi Arabia debuted in Formula One last December as part of a 15-year agreement, and the nation also serves as the home of the annual Dakar Rally, Formula E’s all-electric races, and Extreme E.
“The region is a crucial market for motorsport, and research shows that 80% of Saudi fans want to see more in their nation,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna. “Demand in the Kingdom for events of this nature is growing.”
