The iconic Lusail International Circuit (LIC), fast emerging as a global motorsport hub, achieved a new feat as the MotoGP 2023 Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar was named as the Best Grand Prix of the last season. It’s one of the many milestones that Qatar’s state-of-the-art venue has achieved over the years.
The honour was given to the Qatar race after every aspect of each Grand Prix was considered, with the teams’ Association (IRTA) voting across several categories to select the winner. The result was then ratified by the Grand Prix Commission as Qatar GP emerged on top following the decisive vote. The award will be presented today ahead of the season-opening 2024 Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar.
The LIC has been operational since 2004 when it staged its inaugural MotoGP race. The venue has become a permanent stop for the elite riders, who aim to win the world championship title every calendar year. The circuit has the highest possible standards of safety paired with a layout that delivers incredible racing year after year, with some of the most memorable on-track battles in recent history staged around its now-iconic layout. After the entire venue underwent a full renovation before MotoGP returned in 2023, the overall level of the facility has now set standards for all the other venues.
The last year’s Qatar GP welcomed a record crowd for MotoGP at the venue as the new facilities were unveiled, with fans flocking to see the Championship fight hit boiling point under the iconic floodlights following the renovation. “The 2023 event was perceived positively by local and international fans alike, the event witnessed record sales and this is a testament to the increasingly growing sporting culture and interest in the region,” said President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai.
The LIC is currently hosting the season-opening meet as thrilling sprint was decided under lights yesterday with the first Grand Prix of 2023 scheduled to take place tonight. President of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) Jorge Viegas praised the ideal atmosphere being witnessed at Lusail, saying Qatar’s preparations have always been exceptional. Reigning double MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia also dubbed the LIC as the best venue to kick-start the season.
Today’s race will bring an end to the thrilling Lusail Speed Fest that also included the debut FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) – the 2024 Qatar Airways Qatar 1812km last week. Two additional races - the Lusail Classic Endurance Race and the Qatar Touring Car Championship – were also held in the first week of the festival.
