F1: Upgraded Qatar circuit awaits F1 next weekend
The Lusail International Circuit has overhauled its facilities and safety measures ahead of the return of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The current remodeling of the Lusail International Circuit increased the capacity of the grandstands and car parking lots. The surrounding and internal roads were developed to provide easy access to the circuit by linking it to the main roads in the area, while extensive improvements will also be made to the infrastructure of the circuit and associated facilities.
It will be the first race on a 10-year long-term contract after the inaugural race in 2021 before a year off due to the FIFA World Cup in 2022, with organizers expecting a large number of fans over the October 6th-8th weekend. The grandstands and general admission are almost all sold out.
Capacity in the grandstands has been increased to 40,000 (plus general admission) with parking infrastructure also upgraded, with larger fan zone and VIP areas, including the F1 Paddock Club.
The grandstands are now able to accommodate 40,000 people, while a new elevated viewing area at Turn 1 called ‘Lusail Hill’ has been installed for general admission ticket spectators, with a new overall circuit capacity of 52,000, compared to 8,000 when F1 first visited two years ago.
Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), said: “I am very glad and proud that Lusail International Circuit will host the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix®. It is another international achievement to be added to the list of impressive sports achievements by Qatar.
“I would like to extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Sports and Youth for the efforts it exerted to make the circuit upgrade project a success in the best possible way. Once completed, the circuit will be an extraordinary destination capable of hosting major tournaments and sporting events.
“We would also like to thank Qatar Airways, the Official Airline and Global Partner of Formula 1, and Qatar Tourism on their relentless efforts to promote tourism inside Qatar and abroad. We will unveil many exciting entertainment programs for race enthusiasts soon.
“I would also like to extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the Public Works Authority “Ashghal” for its tremendous efforts to make the project of upgrading the circuit, which is going according to schedule, a great success.”
Speaking after the press conference, Mr. Amro Al-Hamad, Executive Director of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and CEO of Lusail International Circuit, said: “We are delighted to bring Formula 1 back to Qatar, and we can’t wait to offer fans an unforgettable racing experience.
“The Lusail International Circuit will be more than ready to welcome enthusiasts from all over the world. We are committed to delivering a truly exceptional Grand Prix weekend, in collaboration with our partners Qatar Airways and Ashghal. The countdown has now officially begun.”
He added: “Our partnership with Qatar Airways brings great benefits to the Qatar Grand Prix, as it enhances the value of this prize race through global outreach and promotional campaigns. We are proud to collaborate with the airline to connect fans from more than 150 global destinations to come to Qatar and attend the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix.”
The construction work will see the creation of a new race control facility and media center as well as larger pit garages.
“The F1 paddock is state of the art,” said Al-Hamad. “We haven’t left any stone unturned. We’ve collected lots of lessons learned from other circuits around the world.
“The pit boxes are now suitable for F1 racing, opposite to the ones that we had for Moto GP in the past. We have 50 boxes. I don’t think that anybody else within the F1 calendar has that number of pit boxes.
“The changes also reached the team buildings. It’s a complete change from what we had in the past.
“We used to have one tunnel. Now we have up to four tunnels to serve the entrance and the exit of the spectators.”
As part of the upgrade work the circuit has been resurfaced, although there have been no changes to the layout.
85 viewing screens have been installed around the track to allow fans, and sometimes the drivers as well, to better keep up with all the action throughout the race weekend, while 180,000 square meters of green space has been created as part of the renovations, which have been carried out by Qatar’s Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’.
Safety enhancements made in Qatar
New debris fences by Swiss company Geobrugg have also been installed at over 2.5 kilometers of the circuit.
A new six-meter debris fence post spacing solution was selected, which complies with FIA Grade 1 Circuit Safety standards and provides spectators with enhanced views of the track.
“We are expecting large number of fans to attend Qatar GP, that said spectator safety is of paramount importance to us. We have ensured to incorporate highest levels of safety measures on the track,” said Amro Al Hamad, CEO of Lusail International Circuit and Executive Director of Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation.
Light panels and marshal posts have also been upgraded, with all of the enhancements produced in close co-ordination with both the FIA and motorcycle governing body FIM, to ensure the track is suitable for both disciplines of racing.
Track simulations were completed to ahead of construction to ensure the circuit continued to meet the safety standards of both governing bodies.
The circuit’s current deal with MotoGP extends until 2031 and it is expanding its horizons with the addition of the World Endurance Championship, hosting its season opener from next year.
“We’re incredibly proud to add the Lusail International Circuit to the growing list of Grand Prix venues that are adopting our debris fence solutions,” Jochen Braunwarth, Director Motorsport Solutions, Geobrugg said.
“As a venue, Lusail is going from strength to strength, adding a combination of car and bike racing to its portfolio, so it was vital the circuit had the best fencing safety.”