F1 has inked a longterm deal with Qatar GP to host a grand prix from 2023 onward, as it is also becomes the final confirmed event of 2021.
As was being speculated for some time, Qatar GP is confirmed to join the F1 calendar in a longterm deal, starting from 2023 onward. They are skipping 2022 since the country is to host the FIFA World Cup, which is also a driving force for the sport to commit to them.
Before the start of the 10-year deal from 2023, Qatar GP will make its debut later this year as a standalone event on November 19-21. It is the final confirmed event of 2021, with the year to complete in a Middle East triple with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
Ooredoo is revealed as the title sponsor of the 2021 event, with further details to be confirmed in the time to come. It is not clear if the grand prix will be a night event, but it is most likely to be the case considering MotoGP is held under floodlights.
Upon the announcement, Stefano Domenicali, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Qatar to the Formula 1 calendar this season and for the longer term from 2023. The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Authorities have been incredible and have moved at great speed to ensure the race can take place this season at the Losail Circuit, famous to many as the host of MotoGP.
“We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a Grand Prix. The huge effort from all the teams, F1 and the FIA has made it possible to deliver a 22 race calendar, something that is very impressive during a challenging year and something we can all be proud of.”
At the same time, Jean Todt, FIA President, stated: “I congratulate Formula One, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and the Qatari authorities, who have worked tirelessly, to quickly and efficiently make the inaugural Grand Prix in Qatar happen in these challenging times. The Losail International Circuit, which will welcome the race, has been working closely with us to ensure they are fully prepared for this momentous occasion.
“We are very proud of this collective achievement. I thank the QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai and His Excellency Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports for their involvement. This commitment to F1 for the long-term, as well as the organisation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and many other international events, is another example of Qatar’s strong passion for sport.”
And finally, Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, President of Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, added: “This is a very special day for Qatar Motorsport and our nation’s ambitions as a host of major sporting events. I’m very proud that we’ve been able to support Formula 1 by stepping in and hosting a race in our country in such a short time frame, while also securing a ground-breaking long term deal with F1.
“This exciting agreement means that Qatar will be the home of both Formula 1 and MotoGP for the next decade, which are the pinnacle events in global motorsport. We have a proud motorsport history and this is the next chapter for us. Qatar will be a great destination for F1 and we look forward to welcoming all the drivers, teams, media and fans very soon.”