JEDDAH — Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), has said that they are working on building infrastructure for small race circuits around Saudi Arabia's regions. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Prince Khalid noted that the circuits will include academies and schools for teaching racing. The Kingdom will witness many changes in terms of circuits, local events and academies in the upcoming years. He added that there are plans to build permanent circuits for motorcycles and cars in Qiddiya project, where a lot of local tournaments will be held to enable amateurs and professionals to race continuously in Saudi Arabia. "The completion of the Qiddiya project and the circuits around the regions of the Kingdom will enhance the local sport, and enable the Saudi youth to compete in these tournaments," Prince Khalid stated. Regarding the strategic partnership between Aramco and Aston Martin, Prince Khalid said that it was a positive partnership. Aston Martin previously was not competing in the first positions, but now we can witness its emergence within the top three, he added. "The support of companies to Saudi Arabia will help it leave a mark in the most important tournaments and races," he said. When asked if Saudi Arabia will participate in manufacturing formula 1 cars, Prince Khalid confirmed that he is sure that international companies and teams would have a desire to have a place here in Saudi Arabia to benefit from its programs, which are witnessed by the companies that are already in the Kingdom. The future is promising in Saudi Arabia, and it will witness a great renaissance in the field of car and motorcycle racing". The turnout of fans and the attendances for events related to motors, such as Formula E, Formula 1, and rally, increases every year, he said. These races in Saudi Arabia, as well as the media coverage, giving the public the opportunity to see the race closely, have contributed to increasing the interest and curiosity of the people.
