An aerial view of the floodlit Losail International Circuit.
Qatar – home to global sports competitions for over the years – was missing Formula One in its busy sports calendar. But, the wait is over as the country is set to bring the thrilling sport next month after the landmark 11-race deal between the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the Formula One.
The Losail International Circuit Qatar (LIS), a popular venue for MotoGP races, will make the F1 debut with the inaugural Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix, which will take place from November 19 to 21. After a break next year due to the FIFA World Cup, Qatar will be a part of 10 F1 seasons, hosting the races until 2032.
The Losail International Circuit, staging the MotoGP races since 2004, has been often rated by riders as their favourite venue. It hosted the opening two rounds of the season earlier this year. The circuit has also staged World Superbike and World Touring Car Championship rounds.
During a press conference yesterday, QMMF President Abdulrahman Al Mannai, flanked by Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1 and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer & Chief Executive Officer — Qatar Ooredoo, expressed his delight following the announcement of the deal.
“This is a very special day for Qatar motorsport and our nation’s ambitions as a host of major sporting events,” Al Mannai told reporters at Losail International Circuit, yesterday.
The next month’s race is scheduled due to cancellation of Australian Grand Prix as Qatar stepped in to help the F1 complete its target of 22 races in a season.
“I’m very proud that we’ve been able to support Formula 1 by stepping in and hosting a race in our country in such a short time frame, while also securing a ground-breaking long-term deal with F1. We are very grateful to Ooredoo for supporting us with this historic event,” said the QMMF President while thanking the title sponsors.
Formula One President & CEO Domenicali said: “The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Authorities have been incredible and have moved at great speed to ensure the race can take place this season at the Losail Circuit, famous to many as the host of MotoGP.”
Speaking to reporters at Al Bayt Stadium on the sidelines of Qatar International Baja’s opening stage yesterday, QMMF Executive Director Amro Al Hamad hoped the deal will boost F1 in the country.
“Now, we are going to have the newer generation showing interest in Formula One and we already have a karting academy in Qatar to train the youngsters. Who knows in some years we will find some drivers who will probably represent Qatar in Formula One,” said Al Hamad.
