The hosting of the first-ever FIA World Touring Car Cup race in Saudi Arabia is the next step in developing the motorsport industry in the Kingdom, offering a boost to both the local economy and tourism.
Speaking ahead of the FIA WTCR season finale, to be held on a shortened layout of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, on November 26-27th, HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) said the growth of the motorsport industry will have a significant impact on both employment opportunities and commercial investment.
“To be able to host another FIA World Championship, alongside Formula 1, Formula E and Dakar is an incredible achievement for Saudi Arabia,” said HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal.
“The impact of this race will be significant, not only for manufacturers to be able to showcase their brands, but spectators who will be inspired to work in motorsport in the future — either as a mechanic, an engineer or driver.” A revised 12-turn layout has been homologated to host the final round of FIA WTCR under floodlights on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and the shorter course is expected to provide action-packed racing for the world’s best touring car drivers.
The addition of another FIA-sanctioned event increases the portfolio of world championships to be held in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom strives to be the number one destination for motorsport in the Middle East. With more series targeted for the future, the arrival of FIA WTCR is the next step in the development of the sport in the country.
“When we built the Jeddah Corniche Circuit we thought about the infrastructure and how we could help the local community”, added HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal. “In the process of Vision2030 we have helped diversify the economy and offered many opportunities for employment in the sector.
“Having raced these types of touring cars myself in the past, I can say the FIA World Touring Car Cup will be a spectacular weekend of action, with plenty of fast and exciting racing. We want to encourage as many families as possible to come and enjoy the on-track action as well as engaging in all the off-track activities and events too. It will be a brilliant festival of motorsport.”
With the championship title going down to the wire in FIA WTCR, spectators attending the race on the weekend of November 26-27th are guaranteed action and will also enjoy the sights and sounds of the Saudi Supercar Club Powered by Petromin as well as Sportscaa which will both support the main event.