DOHA: Hectic back room preparations are afoot as Losail International Circuit is gearing to host the inaugural Ooredoo Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix.
With exactly a month to go for the race, the weekend from November 19 to 21 promises to a busy one for those connected with the race and also a history making event for Qatar and Formula One lovers.
People connected with the organization are working overtime to get the logistics of hosting this mammoth race in place.
On as 30th September this year, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Formula 1(F1) have agreed an 11-race hosting deal, starting this season.
“Qatar will be the home of both Formula 1 and MotoGP for the next decade, which are the pinnacle events in global motorsport. We have a proud motorsport history and this is the next chapter for us. Qatar will be a great destination for F1 and we look forward to welcoming all the drivers, teams, media and fans very soon,” said Abdulrahman Al Mannai, President of Qatar Motor &Motorcycle Federation.
The Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix replaces the cancelled Australian Grand Prix in the calendar and helps F1 achieve its target of a 22-race season.
The race is fantastic news for fans, drivers and the teams alike.
Qatar has a strong track-record as a host of worldclass international sporting events – with state-of-the-art sporting facilities, modern infrastructure and expertise in major event management.
Qatar has a proud sporting legacy having hosted MotoGP and events such as the Asian Games, FIFA Club World Cup, World Men’s Handball Championship, the AFC Asian Cup and various Athletics events including the World Championships and the Diamond League.
Doha’s globally central location will be of huge benefit to F1 logistically, while also allowing more fans to travel to the race. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Doha has established itself as one of the most trusted and COVID-safe sports hubs for major events.
The QMMF and F1 have worked around the clock to ensure the race this November takes place, despite the unprecedented COVID-related challenges and the turn-around time for a deal of this complexity. For this year’s race, F1 will make use of Qatar’s existing motor racing facilities, which have hosted many motorsport events including MotoGP since 2004.
The 11-race deal will take place over 12 seasons, with Ooredoo – the international communications company –also announced as the title sponsor.
There will be no race in 2022 as it coincides with Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The race will return to Qatar in 2023 and take place for the next 10-years until 2032.
The agreement means motorsport fans from around the world will be able to travel to Qatar and enjoy its world class sport, hospitality and tourism.
