Why the Gran Turismo World Series is Headed to Abu Dhabi in 2026

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jordan
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mef
How about supporting countries and economies that made Motorsport great?
No we can’t have that, we must maximize profit at all cost.

It’s why I don’t pay for F1 anymore, either. If the whole reason to go to a country is to make more money, I don’t support it.

Has nothing to do with conflicts/politcis
For me and everything with organisers disregarding the fans who put them where they are.
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People said the same thing about the world cup and it ended up being one of the best organised tournaments ever. People need to let go of their conscious/unconscious bias. If you don't like the idea of motorsport events being in these countries, you can always boycott it and not watch.
 
So any thoughts on what will replace the event? Would it be a COVID-style online, pre-recorded race or do we have a backup venue after "Round 3"?
 
I’m inclined to believe the (now-cancelled) round was going to be at Abu Dhabi for a simple reason: the UAE threw enough money at the GTWS to get it hosted there. Not that I blame the GTWS for taking it, as I understand that motorsports can be extremely expensive for many parties, even when it’s virtual. Plus, the newly-added Yas Marina circuit is right there, so that would’ve been potentially neat.

Personally, I would’ve planned to host it in Montreal if I was running things, which hosts the other newly-added circuit while not being nearly as geopolitically volatile. They may as well have tried to hold the first round at the 38th Parallel. Glad to see that the second round is being held in Milan, though - perhaps we’ll see an Alfa Romeo VGT there?
 
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MIE1992
I’m inclined to believe the (now-cancelled) round was going to be at Abu Dhabi for a simple reason: the UAE threw enough money at the GTWS to get it hosted there. Not that I blame the GTWS for taking it, as I understand that motorsports can be extremely expensive for many parties, even when it’s virtual. Plus, the newly-added Yas Marina circuit is right there, so that would’ve been potentially neat.
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This was somewhat upfront implied by the Abu Dhabi Gaming push and the fact Kaz thanked the UAE government for getting Yas Marina in.
 
The key thing here is that nobody comes out of this looking good. Though I suppose at least now Gran Turismo's Wikipedia page can have a controversies section added.

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