The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Formula 1 (F1) today signed a contract for eleven races starting this season. The first Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix will take place on the weekend of November 19-21 at the Losail International Circuit.
The Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix replaces the canceled Australian Grand Prix on the calendar and helps F1 achieve their 22-race season goal. The race is fantastic news for fans, drivers and teams alike. Qatar can look back on a long track record of hosting international sporting events of the world class – with state-of-the-art sports facilities, modern infrastructure and expertise in the management of major events. The global central location of Doha will be of great logistical advantage for F1 and at the same time allow more fans to travel to the race. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Doha has established itself as one of the most trustworthy and COVID-safe sports centers for major events.
The QMMF and F1 have worked around the clock to ensure that the race takes place in November, despite the unprecedented COVID-related challenges and turnaround time for some of that complexity. For this year’s race, F1 will use Qatar’s existing motorsport facilities, which have hosted many motorsport events including MotoGP since 2004.
The contract for 11 races extends over 12 seasons, with Ooredoo – the international communications company – also being announced as the title sponsor. There will be no race in 2022 as it coincides with the hosting of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The race will return to Qatar in 2023 and will run for the next 10 years until 2032.
The agreement means that motorsport fans from all over the world can travel to Qatar and enjoy world-class sport, hospitality and tourism. Qatar has a proud sporting heritage that has hosted MotoGP and events such as the Asian Games, the FIFA Club World Cup, the Men’s Handball World Cup, the AFC Asian Cup and various track and field events such as the World Cup and Diamond League.
“This is a very special day for Qatar Motorsport and our nation’s ambitions to host major sporting events – said Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation – I am very proud that we were able to support Formula 1 by hosting a race in our country in such a short time and at the same time securing a groundbreaking long-term contract with Formula 1. We are very grateful to Ooredoo for supporting us in this historic event. This exciting agreement means that for the next decade, Qatar will be the home of Formula 1 and MotoGP, which are the pinnacles of global motorsport. We have a proud motorsport history and this is the next chapter for us. Qatar will be a great destination for Formula 1 and we look forward to welcoming all drivers, teams, media and fans soon. “
“We are very pleased to be able to welcome Qatar to the Formula 1 calendar this season and in the longer term from 2023 – replied Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1 – The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and the authorities have been amazing and have moved at great speed to ensure that this season’s race can take place at the Losail Circuit, which is known to many as hosting MotoGP. We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is great interest in our sport and the hope of many places for a Grand Prix. The tremendous commitment of all teams, F1 and FIA has made it possible to deliver a 22-race calendar that is very impressive in a challenging year and that we can all be proud of. “
“I congratulate Formula 1, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and the Qatari authorities, who have worked tirelessly to hold the first Grand Prix in Qatar quickly and efficiently in these challenging times – added Jean Todt, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) – The Losail International Circuit, which will be welcoming the race, has worked closely with us to ensure they are well prepared for this momentous event. We are very proud of this joint achievement. I thank QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai and His Excellency Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sport, for their commitment. This long-term involvement in Formula 1 as well as the organization of the soccer World Cup in 2022 and many other international events are another example of Qatar’s strong passion for sport. “
“We are delighted that Qatar will host such an important event on the global sports calendar – said Aziz Aluthman Fachroo, Managing Director of the Ooredoo Group – As title sponsor, Ooredoo is honored to have the opportunity to assist the QMMF in running Qatar’s first ever F1 race. We have a long history of supporting major sporting events in line with our corporate social responsibility strategy, and we are very proud that this story will now include the F1 Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix. We thank our partners F1 and the QMMF for their trust in Ooredoo and look forward to an incredible race weekend. I wish all the talented participants the best of luck. “
Details on tickets and hospitality will be announced by F1 and the QMMF in due course. Please follow the official channels for more information.