Middle East Key to Motor Sport's Future

The Middle East region will play a pivotal role in the future of the motor sport industry.

That is the view of David Richards, Chairman of Prodrive and Aston Martin, and a former team principal of the BAR and Benetton Formula One teams, shared with delegates during his keynote address at the recent the Motor Sport Business Forum Middle East.

Speaking to a packed auditorium at the Bahrain International Circuit, Richards added, "from next year, this region will have six world class race circuits. It shows that the Gulf has become a significant focal point for the motor sport industry."

Richards explained that these circuits have developed a new business model for racing facilities around the world, with the addition of subsidiary businesses to complement the main events on the track. This is evident in Bahrain with the planned creation of a multi-billlion dollar Technology Centre and in Abu Dhabi with the development of the Ferrari World amusement park.

Image shows the Bahrain International Circuit.