Losail International Circuit - Home of Motorsport in Qatar
The Losail International Circuit, a modern facility located around 35 km from the Qatar’s capital Doha, is the host of various racing championships.
One of the top racing venues in the Middle East
After the success of circuits in Bahrain, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, the expansion of motorsports in the Middle East continued with the construction of another modern venue. It was the triumph of modern technology and hard work of more than 1.000 workers as everything was done in one year with expenses racking up to $60 million. It is the only circuit in the region with both FIA and FIM homologation licenses.
Losail International Circuit was built with motorcycling in mind
Moto GP race is the main event at Losail International Circuit
The Losail International Circuit was opened in October of 2004. Winner of the first race, Grand Prix of Qatar, was a Spanish motorcyclist Sete Gibernau. Grand Prix of Qatar still stands as the major event at Losail but the track also hosts car races. The World Touring Cars Championship round is one of the most important events while there are other important events for instance, 8 Hours of Doha and World Superbike Championship. The Grand Prix Masters Series as well Asia GP2 Series races also were held in the Qatar’s only racing venue.
Moto GP round is the main event
Popular among the drivers
The length of the track is 5.380 km with 16 turns. The circuit’s trademark is over a kilometer long start/finish straight. The track is not too demanding and has a mixture of medium and high-speed corners which makes it quite popular among the drivers. The record lap time holder is Davide Rigon who set the time 1:38.699 during Asia GP2 Series race in 2009.
Maiden WTCC Race of Qatar was held in 2015
The track is surrounded by artificial grass to prevent desert sand from blowing onto the circuit. The same problem Bahrain International Circuit has. Since 2008, (when the modern and pretty complicated system of lights was installed) the Losail International Circuit became suitable for night racing. The stands capacity is only 8.000.
The only Motocross venue in Qatar and the region
Another racing spot at the Losail International Circuit is the Motocross Track which hosts the Motocross World Championship round. This track is also equipped with a lighting system to host events at night.
Motocross race at Losail International Circuit
The circuit also offers a wide range of areas to host different types of car and motorbike tests, track days for the clubs, motorbike launches, tires testing, as well as many non-racing activities in the Losail Circuit Sports Club which has several areas that can be used as VIP Hospitality lounges for private events.
Getting there
The Hamad International Airport in Doha is around 50 km from the Losail International Circuit and offers many good connections with the cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States.
Losail International Circuit is opened 24 hours a day
Address: Losail International Circuit, PO Box 8708, Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 4379 788
Website: circuitlosail.com
Photo: asphaltandrubber.com yokohama-online.com circuitlosail.com
