Formula 1 has officially announced Saudi Arabia will join the calendar with a new night race in 2021.
The event in Jeddah had been rumoured for some time but more details have now been revealed, including confirmation of a street circuit which will run alongside the Red Sea, and the news it will be the fourth Grand Prix held at night.
Saudi has been turning to international sporting events and entertainment to boost its image globally in recent years, including, in motorsport, a Formula E Prix in Ad Diriyah and the Dakar Rally.
F1 is the next big catch for the Middle Eastern nation, but the race in Jeddah is only expected to be a temporary venue until the completion of a new circuit under construction near Riyadh.
“We are excited to welcome Saudi Arabia to Formula 1 for the 2021 season and welcome their announcement following speculation in recent days,” said F1 CEO Chase Carey.
“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.
“We will be publishing our full provisional 2021 calendar in the coming weeks and this will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council for approval.”
Being located in the MENA region, InsideRacing knows the growth F1 and motorsport is enjoying here, something that was highlighted by a 228% rise in the TV audience last year after the sport went free-to-air.
And from a Saudi perspective, the officials hope the race can change perceptions about the Kingdom.
“Today is ground-breaking in every sense,” added HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
“I firmly believe the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 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. 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.”
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HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, the Minister of Sport added: “Saudi Arabia is accelerating forward and the speed, energy, excitement of Formula 1 perfectly reflects the transformational journey the country is on.
“As we’ve witnessed in recent years our people want to be at the very heart of the biggest moments in live sport and entertainment. And they don’t come any bigger than Formula 1.
“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.”