Qatar was awarded the race in November 2003, and in December they started construction of the circuit and all its facilities.

Frankly, in 2004 we were worried... But they set our minds at ease and the facility, while not 100% complete, was in great shape for a super opening race in Oct 2004. The 2005 race was flawless; but as in 2004 was a bit hot. For 2006, the final year of the 990cc bikes, the event was moved to the front of the calendar (round 2) to April under perfect weather conditions and not too hot, setting the stage for a great Rossi victory and Nicky Hayden taking what was to be a prophetic 2nd.

A venue of firsts, 2007 saw it move to the now-traditional #1 slot; and the first race of the new 800cc bikes. This was the event that Casey Stoner set the MotoGP world on its ear; blasting past Rossi to clinch the race and ultimately the championship on his un-stoppable Ducati. We will never forget the image of him coming down that huge main straight...

2008 saw the introduction of the spectacular night race. This was better than we had even hoped: the bikes were spectacular under the lights (equivalent to the lighting of a small city!) and there were no adverse affects on the racing; apart from some issues with the cold desert night air leaving the surface colder than expected. (Bring a sweater, but not gravely required).

Stoner once again proved how much he likes this track with a repeat performance of 2007. Unfortunately the rest of the season did not go quite the same way... Rossi took a disappointing 5th, getting passed in the finale by rookie Dovizioso!

2009 was the weirdest event we have been to... The first MotoGP race in 20 years to be rained out! Who would have thought it would happen in Qatar! The 125cc riders were awarded half points! We were overjoyed to see our supported 250cc racer Jules Cluzel take his and the team's first podium (the first in 13 years for team Matteoni); and most of our VIPs stayed on to Monday night to see the MotoGP night race.

The circuit is 5.4km, making it the third longest in the GP tournament. The longest straight is 1.068km, which should have the racers hitting 330kph! The seventh turn (of a total of 16 curves) - a long sweeper - will allow speeds of up to 250kph, so should be pretty spectacular.

It now hosts WSB as well as several other local events. See the official circuit web site here. The Qatar MotoGP contract will go through at least to 2016, so will we!

Getting there

The route to the circuit from the airport: drive through Al-Matar St. Take right on Toyota Tower then keep going through C-Ring road, keep driving along Corniche road all the way until reaching the Sheraton Hotel then take a left towards City Centre, drive to Al-Whada St, take a right to Istigl St, keep straight then take a left going to the Doha golf club. Take a right on the roundabout going north to Al-Khor highway till you get to Losail International Racetrack

Parking is plentiful and easy. There are infrequent shuttle services between the paddock and grandstands but no connecting bridge or tunnel.

See also our practical information (and downloadable map and directions )

The races

The races will be:

• 125cc 18 laps/96.84 km
• 250cc 20 laps/107.6 km
• MotoGP 22 laps/118.3 km

The unofficial programme is expected to be: (subject to verification)

Download our provisional weekend programme here.