Lusail International Circuit (LIC) is a major destination for the world’s largest races, as it prepare to host the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix from October 6-8. The 5.418km circuit is undergoing comprehensive renovation and development works that began last December and will be completed in September.
LIC’s development project, which is being implemented by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), provides grandstands that can accommodate 40,000 spectators, and the number of parking slots will be increased to accommodate 10,000 cars. These are in addition to developing the surrounding and internal roads and improving the infrastructure of the circuit and associated facilities.
The project is being implemented in three packages, which include development of the racetrack, construction of buildings and associated facilities, in addition to upgrade of roads surrounding the circuit and construction of infrastructure networks. The renovations will provide a unique experience for drivers, teams and fans, starting with the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, before the circuit also hosts the Qatar MotoGP from November 17-19.
The Lusail Circuit will also host the inaugural race of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), which will bear the name ‘Qatar 1812’, after the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) signed a six-year contract with the Le Mans Endurance Championship. Lusail International Circuit, which was inaugurated in 2004, is one of the most prominent circuits in the world, as it is the only circuit in the region to have both FIA and FIM homologation licences. The circuit is also famous for hosting the first night race in the history of the MotoGP world championship races, in the year 2008.
The Lusail Circuit Club also includes the longest karting track in Qatar and is equipped with modern cars, characterized by upgraded specifications and huge levels of speed. During the first package (Buildings and Facilities Development), it includes a wide range of development works to construct new buildings and develop the circuit’s facilities over an area of 100,000sq m, in order to enhance the experience of drivers, fans and organisers. The works include renovating the main grandstand, which accommodates 7,500 people, renovating the reception building, in addition to implementing temporary grandstands with a capacity of 22,700 people, guest grandstands with a capacity of 2,700, a natural grandstand with a capacity of 2,100, and a preparation building grandstand with a capacity of 5,000.
New main buildings will also be constructed, including preparation buildings for race cars, hospitality building, media and health centres, as well as the commentary, administrative, VIP and Al Majlis buildings. This package also includes the construction of the associated facilities such as power stations, the maintenance workshops building and the academy building.
The project’s second package (Racetrack Development) includes the development of the 5.3km racetrack, including repaving and marking works, providing new pavements, installing barriers and safety equipment, and providing screens and lighting systems.
Works also include two tunnels – south and north of the Lusail Circuit, constructing a pedestrian tunnel, developing the VIP tunnel, constructing the fans’ parking area with a capacity of 5,550 cars, and VIP parking that can accommodate 1,450 cars. Beautification works around the track will also be carried out besides developing the circuit’s main gate and the surrounding fences. Some 180,000sqm of green spaces will be implemented.
The third package of the project includes the development of interchanges and roads surrounding the circuit and its internal roads with a length of 21km, and linking them to the main road network.
The modernization of Lusail circuit, including the cutting-edge technology upgrades, the development of race controls, media and medical centres, new pre-race buildings and expanded fan areas, marks a significant milestone in Qatar’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for motorsports fans.
It also reaffirms the position of the Lusail circuit as an emerging major destination for motorsports events, which include the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and the Qatar MotoGP race, as well as the Geneva International Motor Show, which coincides with the Grand Prix, and lasts for 10 days - bringing together the world’s leading companies in the automotive industry.
The name of the Qatar Tour evokes a proud tradition with the country hosting the inaugural race in the 12th season of the World Endurance Championship races for the first time, which enhances its position in the world of hosting motorsports events. The race represents a new challenge on the World Endurance Championship schedule, after the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) organising committee signed a six-year contract to host the race in Qatar until 2029.