Lusail International Circuit Guide: A Night Race Experience in Qatar

Since opening its gates in 2004, the Lusail International Circuit has been best known for hosting MotoGP, particularly under its signature floodlights. In 2021, the track stepped into the Formula 1 spotlight, replacing the cancelled Australian Grand Prix due to the global pandemic. That debut saw Lewis Hamilton take victory under the lights, with Fernando Alonso earning a long-awaited podium for Alpine—his first since 2014.

What began as a temporary stopgap quickly became permanent. Qatar has now secured a 10-year contract to host Formula 1, joining the growing lineup of Middle Eastern circuits alongside Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia. By 2023, Lusail also embraced the Sprint Race format, giving fans two competitive days of racing action across the weekend.

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Key Facts About Lusail International Circuit

• Circuit Length: 5.38 km
  
• Race Distance: 306.66 km
  
• Number of Laps: 57
  
• Top Recorded Speed: 362.4 km/h

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Essential Travel Information

• Average Temperature in October: Daytime highs around 36°C; expect around 25°C during the night race
  
• Currency: Qatari Rial (QAR)
  
• Nearest Airport: Doha International Airport (DOH)
  
• Language Spoken: Arabic
  
• Time Zone: Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3)

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Where to Sit: Grandstands at Lusail CircuitMain Grandstand

Stretching along the Main Straight, this is the premier viewing location at Lusail. Set directly opposite the team garages, it offers a full view of the starting grid, pit stops, and the race finish. Depending on seat placement, you might also catch sight of the podium celebrations.

Zones A/B: Closest to pit entry and podium area. Ideal for those who want to watch pit stop strategies unfold.

Zones C/D: Central seating with great views of the grid build-up, pit action, and pre-race ceremonies.

Zones E/F: Overlook the pre-race grid and team preparations. A great vantage for witnessing the build-up to lights out.

North Grandstand

Located to the left of the Main Grandstand, this section provides a direct line of sight as the cars launch off the grid and dive into Turn 1—a key overtaking point, especially at the start.

T2 Grandstand

Positioned on the inside of Turn 2, this grandstand, introduced in 2023, allows fans to follow the dynamic movements through the early race sector. From here, you can also glimpse action in Turn 1 and Turn 3, depending on where you’re seated.

T3 Grandstand

Also added in 2023, the T3 Grandstand overlooks Turn 3 and provides a good look down the short straight leading into Turn 4. It’s a prime location for watching battles unfold across multiple corners.

T16 Grandstand

For a dramatic end-of-lap view, head to Turn 16. This area lets fans witness the final braking zone before cars launch onto the Main Straight. It’s a key spot for late-race overtakes, DRS battles, and the last push before the chequered flag.

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A Night at the Track You Won’t Want to Miss

The Lusail International Circuit blends high-speed racing with the unique energy of a night race. With modern facilities, strong local support, and an ever-expanding footprint in the Formula 1 world, Qatar has quickly become a significant stop on the calendar. Whether you’re seated opposite the pit lane or in one of the newer corners like Turn 2 or Turn 16, Lusail offers an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. From Thursday to Sunday, it’s a full-throttle celebration of motorsport under the lights.

Discover all the hospitality packages here!