Qatar's long-term investment in the future Audi Formula One team, announced at the country's grand prix on Friday, brings obvious benefits for both and increases the Gulf region's influence in the sport.
Four of the current 24 races are in the Middle East — more than the number held in the United States — with Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia paying hefty hosting fees to Liberty Media-owned Formula One.
Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat owns the McLaren Group while Aston Martin is part-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), with energy giant Aramco serving as the team's title sponsor.
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