MotoGP: New opener in 2023 due to Qatar renovation for F1

MotoGP will have a new season-opening race in 2023 to allow for the completion of work at Qatar’s Losail circuit for Formula 1, promoters Dorna said on Saturday.

The Circuit also has a 10-year deal from 2023, F1 has also announced a 10-year deal with Qatar, which will see it take a permanent place on the calendar from 2023.

Losail International Circuit is a motor racing circuit located just outside in the town of Lusail, north of Doha, Qatar.

“The remodeling project will begin to take shape in 2022,” according to the statement. “Various areas [will be] redeveloped to create an even better experience for all those racing at and visiting the venue, from riders and teams to fans and guests. That includes new areas for spectators, establishing Losail as a truly state-of-the-art, cutting-edge racetrack.

“Losail will host the 2023 Grand Prix of Qatar upon completion of the work, meaning the event will therefore not be the opening round, as it has been from 2007,” Dorna said in a statement.

“Instead it will take place towards the end of the season.”