3 minute read
F1 Stars return to Doha
The Losail International Circuit in Doha is part of the Formula 1 race calendar for the next 10 years starting on Sunday, October 8. Inzozi gets you geared up for this thrilling night race.
Date and time: The Grand Prix event takes place on Sunday, October 8 at 6 pm local time. The drivers’ qualifying laps begin on Friday, October 6.
Venue: The Losail International Circuit will host the event. The purpose-built motor racing venue can be found on the outskirts of Doha, around 35km north of the Qatar capital.
The race: The Qatar grand prix takes place in round 17 of the Formula 1 calendar with only six more races remaining. So, by this time the leading contenders for the driver’s championship will have revealed themselves. The odds-on favourite is Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who holds the lap record of 1 minute, 23.196 seconds.
The circuit: The 5.380km Losail International Circuit has a main straight of just over a kilometre in length, helping drivers reach average speeds of 237km/h in qualifying and 220km/h on race day. The long straight will also provide several opportunities for overtaking into the first turn and there are a further 15 turns on the track, which was created with motorcycling in mind – it was built in preparation for hosting Qatar’s first-ever MotoGP event in 2004 – with medium and high-speed corners dominating over the race’s 57 laps.
The weather: The year’s hottest months are over in Qatar by October, but temperatures can still get up to 35C during the day. So drivers will be grateful that the Doha race will be run at night when temperatures will be a good 10C cooler. The weather may still be a factor, though, as Doha’s position between the ocean and the desert means storms and high winds are common.
Night race: The race was established as the fourth full night race on the Formula One calendar, following Singapore, Bahrain and Sakhir grand prix. The race starts at 6 pm and the track is illuminated by close to 4,000 across 1,000 structures dotted around the circuit. The lit area covers the same amount of ground as 70 full-size football pitches.
Where to watch: The grandstand at the exit of Turn 10 allows fans to watch drivers tear through this dynamic section of the track, pitching right through the fast kink of Turn 9 and into the Turn 10 braking zone.
Some of the best Qatar F1 track seats in the house will be at the Losail Club. This grandstand provides fantastic views of Turns 9, 10, and 11, and it's the best place to snap a few pictures of the race. Plus, you'll get access to the Sports Lounge, located right next to the stand. To make the most of the event, there are ticket packages that include experiences such as a guided track tour, an exclusive pit lane walk, a Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk, driver appearances, and more. Head to tickets@fomula1.com for more details and to book.
… there are ticket packages that include experiences such as a guided track tour, an exclusive pit lane walk, a Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk, driver appearances, and more”
What else to do: If you like Formula 1, there are plenty of other adrenaline-fuelled experiences to savour during your time in Doha. Qatar is a great country for outdoor pursuits, be it karting at Losail itself, or trips into the desert for sandboarding, camel riding and 4x4ing.
