Action during the prologue ahead of Qatar 1812 KM 2025 on Saturday. Pic: FIAWEC
Doha, Qatar: The iconic Lusail International Circuit (LIC) is set to roar to life as it welcomes the thundering engines of Hypercars and LMGT3s, signaling the highly anticipated start of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season.
Tomorrow, the circuit will come alive with the hum of excitement as the Qatar 1812 KM kicks off, with practice sessions marking the beginning of a thrilling race week.
Named in honour of Qatar’s National Day, the Qatar 1812 KM is a 10-hour race that returns for its second consecutive year, cementing its place as a must-see motorsports event.
The extraordinary race further bolsters LIC’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for motorsports, joining a prestigious roster of events.
Since 2004, Lusail has been the heartbeat of MotoGP action, and in recent years, it has become a key stop on the Formula One calendar, solidifying Qatar’s prominence in global motorsports.
A total of 36 teams – 18 each in the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes – will battle for supremacy in the season opener, aiming for a winning start to the eight-round championship, which will conclude in Bahrain in November, with stops in Italy, Belgium, France, Brazil, the USA and Japan.
Porsche Penske claimed it's maiden FIA WEC victory at last year's Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 KM. AFP
Ahead of the season opener, the Lusail Circuit also hosted the 2025 Prologue earlier this week, where competitors set the pace for Friday’s high-octane showdown. Elite manufacturers such as Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari and Porsche are primed to bring their A-game.
Porsche Penske Motorsport will return to defend their title after winning the inaugural Qatar 1812 KM. Their stellar performance last year saw them clinch the drivers’ world title and they return this season with even greater ambitions.
“After winning the drivers’ title last year, our goal is now to claim the biggest trophy for manufacturers as well,” said Vice President of Porsche Motorsport Thomas Laudenbach on team’s website.
“In the North American IMSA series, we’ve already proven our ambitions with a second consecutive Daytona victory. Now, we aim to make an optimal start in the World Endurance Championship and repeat our triumph in Qatar.”
Former F1 world champion Jenson Button, representing Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, is equally determined, setting high expectations for his team in the season opener.
“I’m looking forward to going back to a circuit where I have fond memories,” Button said at WEC website.
“We need to build on the Cadillac’s strong performance from last year. This team is fantastic, combining the best of Cadillac and JOTA. We bring a lot of excitement and experience, and we’re ready to start strong in Qatar and race for the win. Qatar is a track that suited our car last year and everyone is starting from zero, which is always fun. I think we can have good expectations.”
MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi will also be a key figure at LIC as the nine-time champion takes to the track for Team WRT behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3.
In addition to the Qatar 1812 KM, Lusail International Circuit will showcase a thrilling array of support races, including the prestigious Lusail Classic Race, the F4 Middle East Championship and the Formula Regional Middle East Championship, rounding out an unforgettable motorsport spectacle.
