Qatar eyes F1 race

Qatar are confident of getting the green light from Formula One governing body, the FIA, to host testing and eventually a Grand Prix, Qatar Motor and Motorcycling Federation president Nasser al-Attiyah told AFP Sunday.

"We're awaiting a positive outcome from the FIA to our request to host F1 testing," Al-Attiyah said.

"An FIA delegation came (two days ago) to Doha where they inspected the Losail circuit (motorcycling) and its amenities," he explained, adding that there was "positive feedback from the members of the delegation especially as we have introduced the necessary adjustments on the circuit".

He added: "I think we could get the green light from the FIA general assembly in December and therefore we're preparing to welcome the new season testing in F1 in 2013."

"This is in our plans. We have great ambitions to host F1."

The Losail circuit, near Doha, has hosted a MotoGP race since 2004, the same year that Bahrain became the first Middle Eastern country to organize a F1 race followed by Abu Dhabi in 2009.

The oil and gas rich country will host the 2022 World Cup and the world handball championships in 2015.