Help Centre

      Starting Grid

      Entry List

      About the circuit

      Lusail International Circuit

      The fabulous Lusail International Circuit lies on the outskirts of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. Built in little over a year, the track cost $58 million USD and required round-the-clock dedication from almost 1,000 workers in order to get it ready for the inaugural event - the Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar on the 2nd October 2004.

      The track itself is a flowing layout of 5.4 kilometres, surrounded by artificial grass designed to prevent sand from the neighbouring desert from blowing onto the circuit. The main straight is over a kilometre in length and there is a good mix of medium and high-speed corners, including a couple of quick left-handers which has proved particularly popular with the riders.

      In 2008 Qatar celebrated the first night time Grand Prix in history, following the construction of permanent outdoor lighting. The switch to night time racing was a success and has continued to be so, with the Qatar event now established as one of the most spectacular on the MotoGP calendar.

      Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar Track

      Track by category

      Category Laps Total Distance Finish in case of red flag
      MotoGP™ 22 118.36 Km / 73.55 Miles 17
      Moto2™ 18 96.84 Km / 60.17 Miles 14
      Moto3™ 16 86.08 Km / 53.49 Miles 12

      Circuit Specs

      • Total length

        5.38Km / 3.34 Miles

      • Total Width

        12m / 39.37ft

      • Longest Straight

        1,068m / 3503.94ft

      • Right Corners

        10

      • Left Corners

        6

      The Grand Prix of Qatar is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular events on the MotoGP™ calendar. The action here takes place at night under the floodlights of the brilliant Lusail International Circuit

      Doha, Qatar

      Located in the Qatari desert, the Lusail circuit held its first event at the venue with the October 2004 Grand Prix of Qatar, won by Sete Gibernau. In 2008 Qatar celebrated the first floodlit Grand Prix in the history of the MotoGP™ World Championship and since 2007 Qatar has also hosted the season-opening race on the GP calendar.

      Why we love Qatar and Doha

      Located in Western Asia, Qatar sits in the Persian Gulf - a small peninsula, with its sole land border of Saudi Arabia to the south. Across the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Peninsula, is the nearby island country, Bahrain. In this most exotic and intriguing part of the world, Qatar also shares maritime borders with the United Arab Emirates and Iran. For anyone who has not visited the Arabian Peninsula, the ancient desert landscape, with its rapidly developing cities and infrastructure, is a wonder to behold. Doha, Qatar’s breathtaking capital city is situated in the east of the country on the Persian Gulf coast. Qatar has a population of around 1.5 million, with roughly half the inhabitants residing in the capital, or its surrounding suburbs. Doha was recognized in 2014 as one of the ‘New7Wonders Cities’ together with Vigan, La Paz, Durban, Havana, Beirut, and Kuala Lumpur. Its impressively expanding skyline, dominated by glittering skyscrapers, contrasting with the traditional Arabic Old Souq in the downtown area, has promoted the city as a top representation of global urban civilization. Previously under Bahraini and Saudi rule (1783–1868), Ottoman rule (1871–1915) and more recently British rule (1916–1971), Qatar became an independent, sovereign State in the early 1970s and has since undergone an immense transformation. Backed by the world’s third-largest natural gas and oil reserves, with the highest per capita income in the world, the population has grown from around 111,000 in 1970 to around 750,000 in 2004, on to an incredible 2,545,000 in 2016, as the country invests heavily in infrastructure and the future of its economy. Without doubt Qatar is a country on the up. Witnessing the speed of its transformation first hand is an exhilarating experience.

      Finding the right accommodation

      When in Qatar many visitors head straight to the capital city of Doha, where there is an abundance of hotels on offer. Many of Doha’s big hotels are self-contained resorts in their own right, with luxurious facilities including their own private beach fronts, spacious and well-equipped rooms, a choice of at least three or four restaurants, swimming pools and state-of-the-art gyms and health clubs. These larger hotels are complemented by a selection of downtown options including exclusive boutique hotels and serviced apartments. Four-star hotels are available for a lower budget than the aforementioned five-star luxury accommodation, whilst there are cheaper options still with 3-star $55 / €50 per night hotels to be found in the city center too.

      Exploring Doha and Qatar

      With Doha as your main base, there is plenty to do and see in the city and beyond. The Doha Corniche is a good place to start, as you stroll along the waterfront promenade extending for several kilometers along Doha Bay. On the Corniche you can visit the Msheireb Enrichment Centre for an insight into Qatar’s culture and heritage. On the other side of the bay you will also find the Museum of Islamic Art, which was opened in 2008 and is recognised as one of the standout museums in the region, reflecting the scale of Islamic art over three continents spanning 1400 years of history. A large park is located adjacent to the museum building and is a pleasant place to walk and relax in the sunshine. Qatar has become one of the biggest art buying countries in the world and the Arab Museum of Modern Art, also in Doha, reflects this trend, offering an Arab perspective on modern and contemporary art. You can also tour the city by double-decker bus, taking in all the major sights of Doha, such as the Katara Cultural Village and the Pearl-Qatar Marina. Another option is the boat cruise of Doha Bay which provides lovely views of the Corniche and the city’s amazing skyline.

      Tips for visiting Doha and Qatar

      1- In nomadic Arabic societies, desert travelers were always welcomed with food and drink. Communal dining is a tradition in Qatar, whilst the food enjoyed at big celebrations can also be sampled in local and international restaurants in and around Doha. 2- Qatari cuisine has Indian, Iranian and North African influences, with signature dishes including locally caught fish, spicy seafood and meat stews, roast lamb, boiled goat with seasoned rice and locally grown dates. Arabic coffee will also be offered. 3- When it comes to dress code, Qatar is fairly relaxed, but visitors are asked to demonstrate respect for the local culture and customs in public places, so avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Context is key, so beachwear and casual wear is acceptable if you are lounging by the hotel pool. 4-Cash machines (ATMs) are to be found throughout Doha and the restaurants and shops usually take credit cards. Keep in mind that the working week for Qataris is from Sunday to Thursday, with most offices closed on Friday and Saturday. 5- Also, it is not permitted to bring alcohol into the country and alcohol is only usually available at international hotel bars and restaurants.