Updated:
Sep 30, 2021 12:41 pmBreaking News! Round 20 of the F1 2021 calendar has been announced and it will be Qatar.
It will host its first ever Grand Prix on November 19-21. As well as this, from 2023 onwards a deal have been signed for the track to be in use for 10 years, so hopefully we can expect to see some exciting races take place and see what this new circuit can bring to the table for F1.
A statement from F1 said: “There was a strong will from Qatar to be helpful to F1, and in the course of this process, the vision for a longer partnership was disgusted and agreed for 10 years.
“The step from the gesture to be helpful to F1 in 2021 to a long term strategy was short and simple and the vision for F1 to be the showcase for Qatar after the FIFA World Cup in 2022 was the driving force behind this long term agreement.
“As part of the longer-term deal, discussions will continue regarding the location for the Grand Prix from 2023 with further details to be provided at a later time.
Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, President of Qatar Motorsport Federation said: “This is a very special day for Qatar Motorsport and our nation’s ambitions as a host of major sporting events.
“Im 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.
“The Qatar Motor & Motorsport Federation and Authorities have been incredible and have moved at great spread to ensure the race can take place this season at the Losail Circuit, famous to many as the host of Motor-GP.
“We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is a 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.”
This exciting agreement means that Qatar will be the home of both Formula 1 and Motor GP 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.
Jean Todt, FIA president added: “I congratulate Formula 1, the Qatar Motor & Motorsport Federation and the Qatari authorities, who have worked tirelessly to quickly and efficiently make the inaugural Grand Prix in Qatar happen in these challanging 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.
