MotoGP aims to add Saudi Arabia to its calendar via the futuristic Qiddiya circuit, designed by Alex Wurz to host Formula 1 and MotoGP. However, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has announced a postponement of the opening to 2028 or even 2029 due to the complexity of the project.
The MotoGP World Championship continues to expand its borders, with Saudi Arabia in the sights. The objective: to organize a Grand Prix on the spectacular circuit of Qiddiya, a pharaonic project designed to accommodate both Formula 1 and the premier class of motorcycling. But the Saudi dream will have to wait.
Carmelo EzpeletaCEO Dorna Sports, confirmed to GPOne.com that the opening of the circuit designed by Alex Wurz, former F1 driver, is postponed to 2028Or 2029. In his words, the project is of a "indescribable" complexity and far exceeds anything that has been attempted before.
In the meantime, Formula 1 will continue to be held in Jeddah, and MotoGP will retain its current format with a cap of 22 meetings and therefore 44 races per season, imposed by agreements with the teams.
The arrival of Qiddiya is part of the desire to strengthen the global character of MotoGP. For 2025, several new features are already planned: return of the GP of RCzech Republicec à Brno (circuit under renovation). Start of Hungarian GP at Balaton Park, unpublished since the 90s. Confirmed return of the GP d'Argentina to Termas de Rio Hondo
En 2026, MotoGP should return to Brazil, on the Ayrton Senna circuit in Goiânia, which is currently being modernized after an absence of almost 40 years.
Why Saudi Arabia is crucial
Saudi Arabia is a challenge for MotoGP. It is a growing market for motorsports. Massive investments to attract major events are underway for a demanding circuit that could become a classic on the calendar. This step would complete expansion in Asia/Middle East (Qatar, Indonesia, Kazakhstan planned for 2023 but cancelled).
Experience shows that not all projects come to fruition. Attempts like the Finland, India, Kazakhstan, China or Turkey ended in failures or very brief appearances on the calendar. Dorna therefore adopts a cautious approach to Qiddiya.
MotoGP in Saudi Arabia is a stated ambition, but fans will have to wait at least until 2028 to see the premier class machines on the futuristic Qiddiya track. In the meantime, the championship continues to diversify, with several expected returns and the emergence of new circuits strategic for its global expansion.
