Track News: Losail upgraded as Qatar prepares for another F1 race

The Lusail International Circuit announced the official start of early bird ticket sales for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix, in the first of three sales phases. The eagerly anticipated racing spectacle will be held from October 6-8 at the redesigned Lusail International Circuit.

The announcement came during a joint press conference held in cooperation with Qatar Airways, the Official Airline and Global Partner of Formula 1 – and title sponsor of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar, and the Public Works Authority “Ashghal”.

This collaboration promises to deliver an unparalleled racing experience that is set to win the hearts of fans around the world.

The F1 racing extravaganza will ensure an action-packed weekend for fans. Race attendance will be optimized through three-day Grandstand tickets and one-day General Admission tickets, with special early bird offers up for grabs for a limited time only.

“F1 Family Friday” is a chance for the whole family to experience the incredible racing action together. Complimentary Friday-only General Admission tickets, exclusively for children under 12 years of age when accompanied by a ticketed adult, include entrance and free grandstand seating. Tickets are limited and must be booked online in advance.

Extending over three adrenaline-fuelled days, the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix will witness incredible racing, as the world’s most elite drivers go head-to-head. The on-circuit action will be complemented by unrivalled entertainment and hospitality experiences for fans.

The current remodeling of the Lusail International Circuit is set to increase the capacity of the grandstands and car parking lots. The surrounding and internal roads will be developed to provide easy access to the circuit by linking it to the main roads in the area while extensive improvements will also be made to the infrastructure of the circuit and associated facilities.

On this occasion, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), said: “I am very glad and proud that Lusail International Circuit will host the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix®. It is another international achievement to be added to the list of impressive sports achievements by Qatar.

“I would like to extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Sports and Youth for the efforts it exerted to make the circuit upgrade project a success in the best possible way. Once completed, the circuit will be an extraordinary destination capable of hosting major tournaments and sporting events.

“We would also like to thank Qatar Airways, the Official Airline and Global Partner of Formula 1, and Qatar Tourism on their relentless efforts to promote tourism inside Qatar and abroad. We will unveil many exciting entertainment programs for race enthusiasts soon.

“I would also like to extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the Public Works Authority “Ashghal” for its tremendous efforts to make the project of upgrading the circuit, which is going according to schedule, a great success.”

Speaking after the press conference, Mr. Amro Al-Hamad, Executive Director of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and CEO of Lusail International Circuit, said: “We are delighted to bring Formula 1 back to Qatar, and we can’t wait to offer fans an unforgettable racing experience.

“The Lusail International Circuit will be more than ready to welcome enthusiasts from all over the world. We are committed to delivering a truly exceptional Grand Prix weekend, in collaboration with our partners Qatar Airways and Ashghal. The countdown has now officially begun.”

He added: “Our partnership with Qatar Airways brings great benefits to the Qatar Grand Prix, as it enhances the value of this prize race through global outreach and promotional campaigns. We are proud to collaborate with the airline to connect fans from more than 150 global destinations to come to Qatar and attend the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix.”

The construction work will see the creation of a new race control facility and media center as well as larger pit garages.

“The F1 paddock is state of the art,” said Al-Hamad. “We haven’t left any stone unturned. We’ve collected lots of lessons learned from other circuits around the world.

“The pit boxes are now suitable for F1 racing, opposite to the ones that we had for Moto GP in the past. We have 50 boxes. I don’t think that anybody else within the F1 calendar has that number of pit boxes.

“The changes also reached the team buildings. It’s a complete change from what we had in the past.

“We used to have one tunnel. Now we have up to four tunnels to serve the entrance and the exit of the spectators.”

As part of the upgrade work the circuit has been resurfaced, although there have been no changes to the layout.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The Lusail Circuit Sports Club is a key element of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023® where the world’s best F1 teams and drivers will compete for years to come.

“As the Global Partner and Official Airline of F1®, we are offering exclusive travel packages with Qatar Airways Holidays for the upcoming races, and experiences, which deliver a motorsport spectacle like no other.”

Elaborating on the event preparations, a spokesperson for Ashghal confirmed that the circuit upgrade project is on track and is expected to be completed by October as planned.

Eng. Saoud Al-Tamimi, Manager of the Roads Projects Department at the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’, stated: “The Lusail Circuit Sports Club Development Project, implemented by Ashghal, is part of the efforts exerted by all institutions to achieve Qatar’s vision in enhancing its position on the world map as the capital of sports.

“The Lusail Circuit will be upgraded into an exceptional destination capable of hosting major tournaments and sporting events and providing a unique experience for local motorsports and motorcycle fans coming to Qatar from all over the world.”

For his part, Eng. Hamad Al Bader, Head of the Northern Areas Projects Section at the Roads Projects Department in Ashghal, said: “The project aims to increase the capacity of the Lusail Circuit, develop its associated facilities and upgrade its infrastructure according to the highest international standards.

“Ashghal is currently implementing the project within three packages, which include developing the racetrack, constructing and renovating the grandstands to accommodate 40,000 spectators, and increasing the number of parking spaces to accommodate 10,000 cars.

“A number of main buildings will also be developed and constructed, and the intersections and roads surrounding the circuit will be developed and linked to the main roads.”

The variety of ticket options available to fans is designed to deliver an outstanding race experience at every ticket level. These include three-day Grandstand tickets around the circuit, with prices starting at QAR 1,000, as well as single-day and three-day General Admission tickets, with prices ranging from QAR 200 up to QAR 600.

To take advantage of the early bird offers, including the Complimentary (FOC) Friday-only General Admission tickets, and secure the best seats, fans are encouraged to visit the official website to book their tickets, at https://tickets.lcsc.qa/