Lusail International Circuit, also known as "Losail International Circuit," is a racing venue that hosts one of the Formula One World Championship races - the Qatar Grand Prix.
Location: | Lusail, Al Daayen, Qatar |
Circuit Length: | 5.418 km (3.367 miles) |
Number of Turns: | 16 |
Record Lap: | 1:24.319 - Max Verstappen (2023) |
Opened: | 30 September 2004 |
Architect: | Hermann Tilke, Tilke Engineers & Architects |
Lusail International Circuit is a dedicated motor-racing circuit situated outside the city of Lusail, north of Doha, Qatar. It has an FIA Grade 1 license, which means that the circuit meets the highest standard of safety, infrastructure, layout, and other facilities.
The Circuit was designed and constructed in just under a year by 1,000 workers. The total cost of the circuit came to 58 million dollars and the inaugural race held at the circuit was the 2004 Qatar Motorcycle Grand Prix won by Sete Gibernau.
Losail International Circuit has been part of a MotoGP calendar since 2004. In 2007, the circuit was upgraded by the addition of permanent outdoor lighting for night races, and in 2008, the Losail International Circuit hosted the first-ever MotoGP night race.
At the time the system of floodlights around the Losail International Circuit by Musco Lighting was the largest permanent sports venue lighting in the world. However, since then, the title has been claimed by the
Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Losail International Circuit is a 5.418 km (3.367 mi) long fast track consisting of almost only fast and sweeping corners. The main straight is 1.068 km (0.664 mi) long and the whole track is surrounded by artificial grass to prevent the sand from spreading all over the track.
In 2021, the circuit saw its inaugural
Formula One Grand Prix - the
Qatar Grand Prix. It is one of the few races in the calendar that take place during the night, along with the
Singapore Grand Prix, the
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the
Las Vegas Grand Prix, the
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the
Bahrain Grand Prix.
While its first Grand Prix was a success, Losail International Circuit was not part of the 2022 Formula One calendar due to the FIFA World Championship taking place in Qatar. The Grand Prix, however, is becoming a regular part of the Formula One Championship seasons from 2023 onwards.