Uzbekistan has joined the expanding list of nations expressing interest in hosting a Formula One Grand Prix, according to reports from British journalist Joe Saward. Representatives from the country reportedly attended the Singapore Grand Prix to hold initial discussions about bringing the world’s premier motorsport series to Uzbekistan in the future.
Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has repeatedly said that numerous countries are vying for a place on the F1 calendar. In recent months, potential hosts have included South Korea, Thailand, Portugal, Germany, Turkey, South Africa, and even Morocco and Rwanda – countries not traditionally associated with motorsport.
Sport’s Rising Profile in Uzbekistan
Saward noted that Uzbekistan’s growing enthusiasm for sport makes the country a credible candidate.
«Sport is a big thing in Uzbekistan at the moment as the national football team recently qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. There is clearly some interest in the country in the automobile as the government is paying to host the upcoming FIA General Assembly in December in Tashkent,» he said.
Uzbekistan’s capital will welcome top motorsport officials later this year for the FIA Gala and presidential elections, further cementing the nation’s emerging role on the global sporting stage.
Kursiv also reports that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem looks set for an uncontested re-election this December, after a list published on October 8 suggested that potential challengers are unlikely to secure the necessary support to stand.
