(Motorsport) Dorna has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) to bring MotoGP in the country with the race expected to be held at a ‘newly constructed, multipurpose FIM and FIA homologated circuit. While there is no date for the event, the MOU will mean that the Saudi MotoGP will join Qatar as the second race taking place in the Middle East region. The country’s interest in MotoGP has developed after a rise in motorsport events in the country including Formula 1, Formula E, Dakar Rally and Extreme E.

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said “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 want 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, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation said “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." 

The Gulf kingdom has been accused of ‘sports washing’ in recent years by using high profile events to improve its reputation around the world. In March this year on the eve of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Formula 1), seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton reiterated that the country needs to improve its human rights record. Premier League club Newcastle United were purchased by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund last year, prompting similar concerns. 

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