Qatar Grand Prix
| Losail International Circuit | |
 | |
| Race information | |
|---|---|
| First held | 2021 (planned) |
| Circuit length | 5.38 km (3.34 miles) |
| Laps | 57 |
The Qatar Grand Prix is a planned Formula One motor racing event. It is expected to be held for the first time on 21 November as part of the 2021 championship, and join the calendar again in 2023 on a 10-year contract. The race will be held at Losail International Circuit, before moving to a new purpose-built circuit in 2023.
History
Origin
The 2021 Formula One season was initially planned over 23 races. The opening round of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, was initially postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions in the country before being cancelled.[1]
The cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix occurred late during the season and left a vacancy in the calendar, and the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix was announced as its replacement.[2]
2021
The inaugural edition of the Qatar Grand Prix is due to take place on 21 November, in place of the cancelled Australian Grand Prix.
2023
After a one year absence in 2022, the Qatar Grand Prix will return to the calendar on a 10-year contract from 2023 to 2032 at a new purpose-built circuit.[3]
Official names
- 2021: Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix
References
- ^ Morgan, Cassandra; Fowler, Michael (6 July 2021). "Australian Grand Prix cancelled again due to COVID-19". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment Co. Pty Ltd. Archived from the original on 6 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
He pointed to low vaccination rates, national cabinet's decision to halve international arrival caps for returning Australians and Formula One requiring a decision on the event by the end of the week as the crucial factors.
- ^ "F1 to hold first Qatar Grand Prix at Losail this November". Motor Sport Magazine. 30 September 2021. Archived from the original on 30 September 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
- ^ Cooper, Adam (30 September 2021). "F1 confirms Qatar GP on 2021 calendar as part of long-term deal". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 30 September 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
There will be no Grand Prix in 2022 as the country will focus on hosting the FIFA World Cup that will start exactly a year after the first Formula One race. The event will then return in 2023 at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue, with a new circuit now in the planning stages.