Losail International Circuit

About

Losail International Circuit has been hosting MotoGP for almost 20 years, and has recently also become home of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.

The track, located in the north of Doha, is also used annually by the World Superbikes series and has hosted the GP2 Asia, FIA WTCC, Speedcar series, and Grand Prix Masters in the past.

Speedily built by over a thousand workers in more or less one year at the cost of $58 million USD, it officially opened in 2004 by hosting the inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar. The 5.40 km track boasts of a 1.068 meter main straight, 12 meters of width, 6 left-handed corners, 10 right-handed corners, and is protected from the desert sand by a surround of artificial grass.

Losail further improved the circuit by adding permanent outdoor lighting for night races in 2007, and thus the 2008 Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar became the first night race in MotoGP history. The switch to a night time race has proven to be a success, and Losail is now one of the more notable tracks on the MotoGP calendar. Valentino Rossi is the active rider with the most victories on this circuit, while Jorge Lorenzo currently holds the circuit record.

As a result of other coronavirus-impacted races on its 2021 schedule, Formula 1 visited Losail International Circuit for the first time in November 2021. The race was not held in 2022 due to Qatar staging the FIFA World Cup, but returns in 2023 as part of a ten-year deal. The circuit is being substantially upgraded ahead of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, with a new pits and paddock building being constructed. As a result, the Qatar MotoGP moves from being the first race of the season to the final race of the season in 2023.

Upcoming Events

Major motorsport events at Losail International Circuit in 2023

• October 6-8: Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2023
• November 17-19: 2023 Qatar MotoGP
• Check all upcoming events at Losail

How to get there

Losail International Circuit is situated to the north of the Qatari capital Doha. Taking a taxi or Uber is the best way to get there.

• The closest airport is Doha International Airport (DIA), also known as Hamad International Airport. The airport has connections to all over the world, mainly with flag-carrying airline Qatar Airways.
• Losail International Circuit is not directly served by any public transport, though there is a new Metro station next to the Lusail Stadium, around 15km south of the circuit. Shuttle buses are expected to be available from the Metro station to the track on major race weekends. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber from Doha. An Uber from Doha Airport to the circuit should set you back around 60-80 QAR, while an Uber from downtown Doha (Port area) to the circuit should cost around 40-50 QAR.

Where to stay

We recommend staying on the north side of Doha when visiting the Losail International Circuit.

Some of the best places to stay include hotels on The Pearl, an artificial island that’s home to some of the Qatari capital’s best hotels. Staying in the heart of Doha is also a good option, as there’s easy circuit access via the motorway.

Browse all hotels in Doha

Track Days

A variety of driving and riding experiences are offered at Losail throughout the year

• Track days for cars and motorbikes are held regularly at the circuit. Prices from 400 QAR ($110 USD). More info and upcoming schedule: Cars / Motorbikes
• Losail Riding Experience: take your own bike or rent one for a half day experience with professional instructors
• Ladies Test Drive Open Day: free drives for women of new dealer cars

Google Map

Circuit Map

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