FORMULA ONE have announced that there will be a Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia in November 2021.
The brand-new race will take place in the city of Jeddah, with the track to run along the banks of the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia will become the 33rd country to host a round of the Formula One World Championship when it showcases the race next year.
Jeddah will be the venue for the Grand Prix until a purpose-built track at Qiddiyah is completed, with it not expected to be ready until 2023.
F1 have announced that the final track design for the 2021 circuit is yet to be decided, though organisers want it to take place at night under the lights.
Speaking of the news, Chairman and CEO of Formula 1 Chase Carey said: “We are excited to welcome Saudi Arabia to Formula 1 for the 2021 season and welcome their announcement following speculation in recent days.
“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 per cent 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.”
Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud 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.”
The remainder of the F1 2021 schedule is expected to be revealed in the near future.
Source : thesun.co.uk
