Perhaps the most unlikely venue for a grand prix race yet is in the works, according to an Iranian newspaper report. The Iranian Times reports that local government officials have given the go-ahead for an $85m purpose-built circuit to be built for a Formula 1 race in Parand City, some 22 miles south of the capital, Tehran. The report said that Apex Circuit Design has been contracted to build the circuit.
“We were really surprised after seeing the landscape," said Apex director Martin Baerschmidt. "Planning and construction would follow all Formula 1 standards.”
Alireza Sabbagh, executive manager of the project, is optimistic about the undertaking. “Iran has so many young people and there is an increasing tendency for them to drive. Formula 1 has a great future in [Iran],” Sabbagh said.