19.08.2008
Moto GP
In 2003, Qatar was awarded the rights to host the Moto GP by the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation). The inaugural race was held at the Losail International Racetrack, on the northern outskirts of the city, in October 2004.
The Losail International Racetrack is is 5.4km, making it the third longest in the Moto GP international tour. The longest straight piece of track on the circuit is just over 1km, propelling the racers to speeds of more than 300 kph. In addition to the Moto GP, the venue hosts the FIM 125cc at 18 laps (96.84 km) and the 250cc at 20 laps (107.6 km).
In 2008, Qatar plans to be the first country to stage a motor sport event (Grand Prix) at night at the Losail circuit.
The lighting system that will be implemented will be the most complex system constructed in the world for a sporting event, incorporating more than 3,700 separate sources of light.
In addition to the FIM Moto GP, Qatar has played host to a variety of other motor sport events including the 2007 NBK Qatar International Rally, the 2007 NBKS Group Sprint Championship, the Mistubishi Rally Championships and the Sealine ATV Drag Race.
There are currently five teams that compete each year from Qatar in the FIA Middle East Rally Championships. The winner of the Middle East Championships in 2004, Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, is currently competing in the FIA World Rally Championship, Production Cup and the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
