As Qatar’s iconic Lusail International Circuit (LIC) gears up to host the Lusail Speed Fest, excitement is building up among the motorsport fans, who are eagerly waiting for the thrilling action set to take place in the next two weeks. The state-of-the-art venue will play host to motorsport extravaganza; the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 KM - FIA World Endurance Championship 2024 and the 2024 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix with action beginning on February 29.
A huge number of fans descended on Barahat in the heart of Msheireb on Thursday as the LIC hosted an exciting pre-launch event to celebrate the upcoming Fest. The participating drivers, who spoke during the event, showed a lot of excitement as they prepared to take part in the top-notch spectacle. The pre-event launch was a thrilling showcase of interactive experiences, kid-friendly activations, cutting-edge simulators, and a diverse array of engaging activities.
Among the speakers were Porsche Penske’s accomplished Matt Campbell and the inspiring female drivers from the Iron Dames. “Lusail Speed Fest promises to be nothing short of extraordinary, spanning two consecutive weekends, this festival is a celebration of speed and excitement. Here in Qatar, motorsport is not just a sport; it’s a passion ingrained in the fabric of our culture. I am looking forward to the exhilarating month ahead,” said Executive Director of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and CEO of LIC Amro Al Hamad. The Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 KM - FIA World Endurance Championship 2024 will take place from 29 February to 2 March while 2024 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar is scheduled from March 8 to 10.
Apart from the Lusail Speed Fest, Qatar is hosting several other major sports events including the Longines Global Champions Tour – an equestrian extravaganza to be hosted at Al Shaqab later this weekend. The world class venue also hosted the CHI Al Shaqab which concluded yesterday after three days of spectacular competitions.
Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson and 16-year-old H&M Indiana produced a stunning performance to win the prestigious CSI5* 1.60m CHI Al Shaqab - Grand Prix presented by Longines on the final day yesterday. Chairperson of Qatar Foundation H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser crowned the podium winners of the prestigious event.
Also yesterday, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open concluded with Russia’s Karen Khachanov sealing the title after beating Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the final at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. Mensik could not end his dream run with a title win as he had shocked former world number one Andy Murray as well as top seed Andrey Rublev on his way to Doha final.
