Race of Champions 2017 finale set for Saudi Arabia

For the first time in its 30-year history, the annual Race of Champions will be held in the Middle East when the two-day 2017 season finale is hosted at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh in early 2018. The event at the 75,000-capacity stadium will be held in partnership with the General Sports Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Race of Champions said Wednesday it is in the process of finalizing ROC's 2018 season finale, which is expected to return to Miami at the end of next year. Juan Pablo Montoya bested 16 fellow stars to earn the 2016 "Champion of Champions" title at Miami's Marlins Park.

"Our organization is honored to be working with the President of the General Sports Authority, his Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, and Sela Sport Chairman, Dr Rakan Hussein, to bring Race Of Champions to the region for the first time in the event's 30-year history," said ROC president Fredrik Johnsson. "As motorsport's most forward-thinking property ROC is an event perfectly suited to Saudi Arabia, which is emerging as a modern sports market on the global stage.

"With women able to drive in Saudi Arabia from 2018, we feel this is an auspicious moment to be bringing a motorsport event to Riyadh. Race Of Champions is more than just a race: it is a truly global contest that includes many of the world's best drivers along with top-quality entertainment for families."

Additional details, including driver announcements and dates, will come at a later date.