(MENAFN- The Peninsula) fawad hussain |
The Peninsula
The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix will be held at the redesigned Lusail International Circuit (LIC) this October with the organisers promising a world class experience to fans from across the world.
It will be an action-packed weekend from October 6 to 8 with spectators expected to fill LIC stands throughout the three-day extravaganza. With more than four months remaining in the highly-anticipated racing spectacle, the LIC yesterday announced the official start of early bird ticket sales, in the first of three sales phases.
LIC made the announcement 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”.
Qatar hosted its debut F1 race in 2021 and will continue to host the event for 10 years from this year, after a one-year gap due to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The inaugural race was a huge success but this year's edition is set to deliver an unparalleled racing experience at iconic circuit, which is undergoing renovation.
“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,” said President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) Abdulrahman Al Mannai.
“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. 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,” he added.
Apart from the action, unrivalled entertainment and hospitality experiences will await the fans during the gala. 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 QR 1,000, as well as single-day and three-day General Admission tickets, with prices ranging from QR 200 up to QR 600.
Fans have been encouraged to visit the official website to book their tickets, at to take advantage of the early bird offers. In collaboration with F1 Experiences, exceptional hospitality packages will be offered across five tiered categories. More information on the program can be obtained at: are looking forward to host fans from across the world,” QMMF Executive Director and CEO of Lusail International Circuit Amro Al Hamad told a press conference yesterday.
“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,” he said.
In a statement, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E 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.”
LIC gets set to deliver world class experience
Operational since 2004 when it hosted the inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar, the renovated LIC is set to become hub of motorsport events in the world. Apart from MotoGP and F1 races, the circuit will also be home to the FIA World Endurance Championship which will come to Qatar in 2024.
Yesterday, the organisers said the upgrade project of the Lusail Circuit, which would also increase the capacity of the grandstands and car parking lots, is on track and is expected to be completed as planned ahead of the event.
Apart from extension, the surrounding and internal roads are being 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.
Manager of the Roads Projects Department at Ashghal Eng. Saoud Al Tamimi said:“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.”
After the renovation, the grandstand will accommodate 40,000 spectators with number of parking spaces set be increased to accommodate 10,000 cars.
Head of the Northern Areas Projects Section at the Roads Projects Department at Ashghal Eng. Hamad Al Bader 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,” he added.