Qatar is positioning itself as one of the major players in international motorsport. In recent years, the nation has made significant investments to develop local drivers, with the aim of competing on global circuits.
The country is already known in the rally world, with the successes of drivers like Nasser Al-Attiyah, who recently won the Dakar for the sixth time. Now, the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has taken a further step by presenting its team at Le Mans, with Abdulla Al-Khelaifi among the drivers.
Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Latif Al Mannai, president of QMMF, explained that the country’s motorsport academy is divided into three areas: circuit racing, rallying, and motorcycles. This is part of their strategy to foster local talent, with the aspiration of seeing more Qataris competing at the highest level.
In the last edition of Le Mans, the Qatar team raced a Mercedes-AMG GT3, where Al-Khelaifi, along with Giuliano Alesi and Julian Hanses, finished 16th in their class, after some setbacks in the pits. Besides the result, the objective was to highlight Qatari competition and inspire future generations.
The federation is working to create opportunities for young drivers, including local championships that serve as a testing platform. “We want Qatari drivers to have the opportunity to compete at various levels. We are fostering the base so they can advance to regional and international championships,” said Al Mannai.
With a vision that includes encouraging competition in dunes with the Dakar and perhaps in the future in Formula 1, Qatar maintains its plans to be an important hub in the world of motorsport. “We are ready and will continue to invest in its development, confident that we will see more Qataris on an international level,” added Al Mannai.
With the promise of three major events like MotoGP, the World Endurance Championship, and Formula 1 within five weeks, Qatar reaffirms itself as a key venue for motorsport on a global level.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
