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Team Qatar GT made a strong start to its 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) campaign after securing pole position in the GT category during qualifying at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Saturday. Running the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 in collaboration with Iron Lynx, Team Qatar GT features a driver lineup of Abdulla al-Khelaifi, Julian Hanses, and Adam Christodoulou. Al-Khelaifi took on driving duties in the qualifying session and delivered a impressive performance. He set the fastest lap of 1:42.289 across eight laps, with an average speed of 163.9 km/h, to secure pole position for Team Qatar ahead of the season-opening race. TF Sport qualified second, just 0.063 seconds behind, while Proton Competition placed third with a gap of 0.485 seconds. Racing Spirit of Leman and Kessel Racing rounded out the top five, 0.662 and 0.863 seconds off the pace respectively. The 2026 European Le Mans Series calendar features six rounds across Europe: Barcelona from April 10 to 12, followed by Paul Ricard on May 3, Imola on July 5, Spa-Francorchamps on August 23, Silverstone on September 13, and Portimao on October 10. 

Team Qatar delivered an outstanding performance at the opening round of the 2026 European Le Mans Series, securing a remarkable victory in the 992 AM category at the prestigious race held at Mugello Circuit. The Qatari trio of Abdulla al-Khelaifi, Ahmad al-Emadi, and Faesal Al-Yafei showcased exceptional teamwork, consistency, and racecraft throughout the demanding endurance event. The race format was uniquely divided into two parts. Part 1, held on Saturday, featured 5 hour 30 minutes of intense racing, during which Team Qatar set the tone early by taking the lead in the 992 AM category. Demonstrating strong pace and strategic precision, the team maintained their advantage heading into the overnight break. On Sunday, Part 2 resumed with the remaining 6 hours 30 minutes of racing. Despite the challenges of endurance competition, including tire management, and sustained focus, the Team Qatar drivers executed a flawless continuation of their performance. They successfully defended their position, ultimately crossing the finish line in P1, sealing a well-deserved victory. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Team Qatar, highlighting the drivers’ growing presence on the international endurance racing scene and reinforcing Qatar’s reputation in global motorsport. 

Team Qatar is set to make history this June by participating for the first time ever in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking a milestone moment for Qatari motorsport on the global endurance racing stage.Held annually at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, the 24-hour endurance race is regarded as one of the most prestigious and demanding events in world motorsport. The 2026 race will take place on 13–14 June 2026, bringing together leading manufacturers and elite teams from around the world.Team Qatar will compete in partnership with the renowned Italian squad Iron Lynx for the 2026 edition, combining international endurance expertise with Qatar’s growing ambitions in global circuit racing.First held in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest active endurance race and forms part of the prestigious Triple Crown of Motorsport. Over the decades, it has become a symbol of technological innovation, reliability, and human endurance, attracting legendary manufacturers and drivers who have shaped the history of circuit racing.This participation reflects Qatar’s strategic expansion into top-tier international motorsport platforms and reinforces the nation’s commitment to competing at the highest levels across disciplines. A Landmark Step for Qatari MotorsportTaking part in Le Mans represents more than a race entry — it is a statement of intent. Competing in the world’s most demanding endurance event requires precision, resilience, and technical excellence, qualities that mirror Qatar’s long-term motorsport development strategy.The collaboration with Iron Lynx highlights a focused and professional approach aimed at delivering a competitive and credible debut on one of motorsport’s greatest stages.Abdulrahman Bin Abdulatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, commented: “We are proud to announce Qatar Team’s participation in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans, a landmark moment that reflects our strategic commitment to international motorsport and strengthening Qatar’s presence on the global racing stage.Le Mans stands as one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races, and competing at this level is both an honour and a responsibility. Our team has undertaken extensive preparation, and we are confident in their professionalism, technical capability, and determination to represent Qatar with excellence.This participation goes beyond competition. It forms part of our long-term vision to create meaningful pathways for drivers and engineers, and inspire the next generation of Qatari motorsport professionals.” Looking Ahead to June 2026The 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, taking place on 13–14 June 2026, is expected to feature one of the most competitive endurance grids in recent years.For Team Qatar, this debut is not only participation — it is the beginning of a new chapter in Qatar’s international motorsport ambitions.Further details regarding the driver lineup, car category, and official presentation will be announced in due course. 

The Qatari Paramotor Team, operating under the Qatar Air Sports Committee (QASC), have secured second place, along with the silver medal during their participation in the 12th FAI World Paramotor Championships held in Chambley-Bussieres, France, with 85 pilots representing 16 countries. The Qatari team finished second in the overall ranking for the trike category, behind the French team, which clinched first place, while the Czech team ranked third. Qatari pilots Saad al-Katheri and Zain Kuraib were awarded the bronze medal after finishing third in the individual trike tandem competition, following intense competition among 85 pilots. The Qatari team participated in three disciplines, chiefly Navigation, which focuses on locating specific points and passing through them, Economy (Eco), which tests flying for the longest possible time with a limited amount of fuel, and Precision, which measures the pilot's ability to control the canopy and complete tasks accurately, such as knocking down foam pylons from a set altitude. Strikingly, Qatar currently holds the top position globally, according to the latest paramotor rankings released annually by FAI.

The Qatar Skydive Team of the Qatar Air Sports Committee of the Joint Special Forces, is participating in the FAI Outdoor World Cup 2025, currently underway in the Netherlands and continuing until September 3, with the participation of nine national teams.The Qatari team is competing in the championship with its 8-way formation team, recognized as one of the top global teams in the sport.The team holds the world record for the largest nighttime parachute formation and boasts a distinguished history of delivering impressive aerial formations and performances. The team has completed its preparations and is expected to achieve outstanding results during the championship.Representing the Qatari team in this championship are Abdullah Ahmed Al Hammadi, Salem Rashid Al Sunaid, Khalifa Saleh Al Ali, Ghanem Al Kubaisi, Bilal Al Hajjaji, Abdullah Abad Salem, Saad Al Ali, Mohammed Shams, and Saleh Al Muhannadi.The Qatari participation is anticipated to be strong and distinctive, especially given the significant attention air sports receive to consistently reflect Qatar’s high standards.Since 2008, Qatari air sports have achieved remarkable success through multiple participations in continental and global championships, earning numerous titles and accomplishments.This success is attributed to the generous support and continuous attention from the wise leadership, which has ensured the provision of all necessary resources to elevate the level of national teams and represent Qatar in the best possible way on the international stage.The State of Qatar places great importance, both officially and popularly, on parachuting sports, which have become a prominent feature in national and public celebrations, especially during the National Day celebrated annually on December 18.