Formula 1 will be heading to Saudi Arabia after it was confirmed that Jeddah will host a grand prix in November 2021.
The city on the Red Sea will be home to the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and take place at night on a street circuit on Jeddah’s corniche.
Chase Carey, chairman and CEO of Formula 1, said: “Saudi Arabia is a country that is rapidly becoming a hub for sports and entertainment with many major events taking place there in recent years and we are very pleased that Formula 1 will be racing there from next season.
“The region is hugely important to us and with 70% of the population of Saudi being under 30 we are excited about the potential to reach new fans and bring our existing fans around the world exciting racing from an incredible and historic location.
Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, president of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, says the F1 race will be the “biggest sports event hosted in our country’s history” and has the potential to “change lives, perceptions and reach new audiences and communities like never before”.
He added: “To have the icons of the sport and historic teams race in Saudi in front of young fans and families is truly game-changing. We don’t have a rich motorsport heritage, but in a short space of time as a federation we’ve earned a strong reputation of delivering world-class international events such as Formula E and the Dakar Rally.
“As a result, Saudi Arabia is home to literally millions of passionate young fans of motorsport. Many of whom will already be smiling and counting down to seeing their heroes in November 2021. Our plans will see us take the sport to even more people with a celebration that reaches all communities and is open to all.”
Saudi minister of sport Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud added: “No matter where in the world it’s held, Formula 1 is an event that brings people together to celebrate an occasion that goes far beyond sport. We look forward to sharing this unique experience and sharing Jeddah with the world. For many Saudis this will be a dream come true.”
F1 will be publishing its full provisional 2021 calendar in the coming weeks.
Main image: Visit Saudi/Twitter