President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai has said the iconic Lusail International Circuit (LIC), which is undergoing renovation, will deliver a world-class experience during the FIA World Endurance Championship which will come to Qatar in 2024.
QMMF and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) signed a six-year contract that will see the state-of-the-art venue hosting the inaugural ‘6 Hours of Qatar’ endurance race in 2024, with the championship due to race at the venue until at least 2029.
Officials during the announcement ceremony in Doha yesterday.
Operational since 2004 when it hosted the inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar, LIC has been a hub of motorsport activities in the country also hosting night races. The circuit is also a part of Formula One calendar for 10 years starting in 2023, after hosting the F1 race for first time last year.
The circuit is currently undergoing extensive renovation and remodelling to the paddock area and facilities with the latest renders revealed at a press conference that announced the contract yesterday.
“We’ve already made the necessary circuit renovations and upgrades to deliver a world-class state-of-the-art experience to both spectating fans and participating drivers,” Al Mannai said yesterday.
QMMF President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai and President of the Endurance Commission Richard Mille sign the contract.
“We have implemented all the changes that are needed for us to conform with the FIA’s technical standards and bringing in advanced technologies that are fitting for one of its sporting events, but we’re certain that this six-year journey we’ve embarked on will motivate us to push the boundaries of what we previously thought to be achievable even further, allowing us to make tremendous improvements to the venue come 2030.”
“We are proud to have established a solid position in the local, regional and international sports scene. The WEC is widely followed and it is currently one of the most globally recognised racing championships. For what the event represents worldwide, Qatar is immensely honoured to host the opening round in the 12th season of WEC in 2024,” he added.
During the ceremony, four Hypercars from renowned endurance racing manufacturers that will race in the WEC’s headline category in 2024 were also on display. These include the Ferrari 499P, the Peugeot9x8, the Porsche 963 and Toyota’s GR010 HYBRID Hypercar.
H E Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group CEO and the Chairman of Qatar Tourism said: “Like Formula 1 - that will race again at Lusail Circuit in 2023 - these Hypercars use best-in-class technology to push the boundaries of engineering. The series involves the most prestigious manufacturers from around the world and draws a global audience.”
“These attributes of advanced technology and global appeal are pivotal to the ongoing development of tourism in The State of Qatar. We congratulate the QMMF on securing the race annually until 2029 and look forward to more world class motorsports events to come.”
ACO President Pierre Fillon said LIC will be a great addition to the FIA World Endurance championship.
“From 2024, Lusail will open the championship, offering competitors top-class surroundings. My heartfelt thanks to Abdulrahman Al Mannai and everyone at the circuit for this superb opportunity for endurance racing,” he said.
Richard Mille, President of the Endurance Commission, said: “Lusail International Circuit is a modern venue that is well accustomed to the demands of world-level motor sport events. Therefore, having it joining FIA World Endurance Championship is a positive and logical development.”
“Enhancing regional diversity is something very important to the FIA. At the same time, promoting motorsport and promoting FIA WEC at new markets is something that will be beneficial for the fans, the manufacturers involved and the promoter. It’s good to see the FIA WEC ecosystem growing in a controlled manner and expanding through addition of events located outside Europe,” he added.
Frederic Lequien, FIA WEC CEO, said 2024 will be a memorable year when the event will come to Qatar.
“We are delighted to have signed a minimum six-year contract with Lusail International Circuit to bring the WEC to Qatar for the very first time,” he said.
“The extensive renovations that are currently underway at Lusail will make it one of the most prestigious race circuits in the world. 2024 will be a very memorable year – not only will we have several global manufacturers competing inthe Hypercar category, but we’ll be taking endurance racing to another new territory,” Lequien added.