Qatar Could Host a Formula one Race in 2016

Are you looking forward to F1 being in Qatar?

Qatar's wait to host a Formula One race, the ultimate in motor sports, seems to be getting over.

As the world presently discusses the Gulf nation’s ambitions of being a major power, what with even plans to acquire stakes in F1, the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has already designed its project to organise the inaugural race.

And if everything goes as per plans, the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel would set the Losail track on fire as early as next year, according to QMMF President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah.

“Recently, we were very close to signing an agreement to host an F1 race. The entire project is ready. But some things didn’t work out and we need to show a little more patience. All we need is a few more meetings with (F1 supremo) Bernie Ecclestone. We need a little more time, but we’ve the solution,” Al Attiyah told Doha Stadium Plus.

With German Grand Prix facing a bleak future mainly due to financial issues, Qatar could well fancy its chances of becoming its replacement.

Qatar, which has been hosting the MotoGP Grand Prix at the Losail International Circuit since 2004 — under lights since ’08 — is ready to pump in more money into the sport. Media reports suggested that RSE Ventures, which owns the Miami Dolphins NFL team in the US, is joining forces with Qatar to buy a controlling stake in the F1.

The 5.3km Losail circuit holds an FIA Grade 1T licence that meets the F1 testing standards. It needs only minor modifications to be upgraded for a Grade 1 licence, which is a prerequisite for hosting an F1 race.

Al Attiyah also confirmed that plans were already in place to develop a street circuit at the Losail City, which is being built.

“Either we can use the existing circuit or else we’ll go for a new facility in Losail City. We’ve a lot of projects coming up and we’re ready for anything. We want to build a strong motorsport culture in the region.

“I hope Qatar becomes the hub of the sport in the Middle East. We’ve been hosting MotoGP since ’04 and also the World Superbikes Championship. This year, we’ll also have one round of the World Touring Car Championship at Losail,” Al Attiyah added.

The QMMF had recently renewed its tie-up with MotoGP’s commercial rights holder Dorna Sports for another 10 years.

“We’re happy to host the MotoGP race for another 10 years. Nobody can now take the race away from us. Worldwide, MotoGP is being followed as much as F1 and its commercial interest is increasing fast. F1 has commercial problems, but still it’s the ultimate in motorsport,” he said.

The QMMF has a team of its own in Moto2 with Australian Anthony West and Julian Simon as its riders. West is into his fourth year with the team while Simon replaced compatriot Roman Ramos at the start of the season.

West had won the Dutch Moto2 last year while Simon finished sixth at the Le Mans Grand Prix in May for his first top-10 finish of the season.

“Ours is a relatively new team when compared to others. Our main aim is to challenge for the top-five spots. If we can go further and get podium finishes, then that’ll be the best,” he added.

Al Attiyah, who is a vice-president of both FIA (governing council for cars) and FIM (ruling body for bikes), wants to strike a balance between both events.

"Motorsport is linking with various disciplines in the country. We want to involve more public into it. The karting track is fully operational now. Karting is the base of motorsport and through it we can develop young riders,” said Al Attiyah.

"In Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, we’ve one of the best rally drivers in the world. Our two drivers are leading in the World Rally Championship’s support category (Abdulaziz Al Kuwari is close behind Nasser).

"Our promising bike riders are competing in the Spanish CEV Championship and European Superstock Series, which’re feeder classes of MotoGP. Then we’ve our own team in the Endurance World Championship.

"The future of Qatar motor sports is bright for sure,” he concluded. (Source: dohastadiumplusqatar.com)