Iran has announced its intention to construct a circuit in Parand City, just 28 miles south of the country’s capital, Tehran.
Design and construction of the 3.1 mile (5km) track will be overseen by Apex Circuit Design at a cost of just $88 million (£55m).
The track will be the first purpose built motorsport facility in the country and, with the go ahead having been granted, completion is expected within 6-8 months.
“We were really surprised after seeing the landscape,” said ACD company Director Martin Baerschmidt. “We want to improve the level of immunity and excitement as well.”
Alireza Sabbagh, Executive Manager of the project, added: “Iran has so many young people and there is an increasing tendency for them to drive. Formula 1 has a great future in the Asian country.”
Whilst the circuit will aim for an FIA Grade 2 license at first, allowing such categories as GP2 to compete, construction will follow F1 guidelines meaning the possibility of hosting F1 remains.
