PM inspects Lusail International Circuit upgrade project

• Grandstands will accommodate 40,000 spectators, and parking lots to be expanded for 10,000 cars

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani paid an inspection visit yesterday to the Lusail International Circuit upgrade project, to see the progress of works and the extent of its preparedness to host international motorsport championships.
HE the Prime Minister inspected the infrastructure, sustainability and buildings being implemented at the circuit, and the preparations related to all logistical and technical services, Qatar News Agency reported.
HE Sheikh Khalid was accompanied by a number of ministers and senior officials.

HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali

In a related statement, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said it started implementing the Lusail Circuit Upgrade Project last December as part of the country's preparations to host the Qatar Grand Prix Formula 1 events to be held at the circuit between October 6 and 8.

The Lusail Circuit Upgrade Project is being implemented in three packages, which include development of the racetrack, development and construction of buildings and associated facilities, in addition to development of roads surrounding the circuit and construction of infrastructure networks. All project works are scheduled to be completed in September, according to Ashghal.
On this occasion, HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Minister of Sports and Youth, said the Lusail International Circuit will become a globally acclaimed venue capable of hosting all global competitions, especially after increasing the capacity of the circuit, constructing new buildings over an area of 100,000sqm, and enhancing road efficiency.

HE Dr Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi

HE Dr Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi, President of Ashghal, said the Lusail Circuit Upgrade Project contributes to hosting the most important international events through the implementation of modern infrastructure according to the highest international specifications.
He informed that the project will feature grandstands that can accommodate 40,000 spectators, and the number of parking slots will be increased to accommodate 10,000 cars. These are in addition to developing the surrounding and internal roads and improving the infrastructure of the circuit and associated facilities.
Abdul Rahman al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), said the Lusail Circuit Upgrade Project will provide a unique experience for Formula 1 fans and a great opportunity to enjoy the new version of Formula 1 sprints, which will be held for the first time in the region in addition to the main race, by providing advanced facilities, increasing the capacity of grandstands and car parking lots, providing easy access to the circuit and linking it to main roads in the area.

Abdul-Rahman-al-Mannai

• Buildings and Facilities Development – Package 1
  The first package of the project includes a wide range of development works to construct new buildings and develop the circuit’s facilities over an area of 100,000sqm, in order to enhance the experience of drivers, fans and organisers. The works include renovating the main grandstand, which accommodates 7,500 people, renovating the reception building, in addition to implementing temporary grandstands with a capacity of 22,700 people, guest grandstands with a capacity of 2,700, a natural grandstand with a capacity of 2,100, and a preparation building grandstand with a capacity of 5,000.

New main buildings will also be constructed, including preparation buildings for racecars, hospitality building, media and health centres, as well as the commentary, administrative, VIP and Al-Majlis buildings.
This package also includes the construction of the associated facilities such as power stations, the maintenance workshops building and the academy building.

• Racetrack Development – Package 2

The project’s second package includes the development of the 5.3km racetrack, including repaving and marking works, providing new pavements, installing barriers and safety equipment, and providing screens and lighting systems.
Works also include two tunnels - south and north of the Lusail Circuit, constructing a pedestrian tunnel, developing the VIP tunnel, constructing the fans' parking area with a capacity of 5,550 cars, and VIP parking that can accommodate 1,450 cars.
Beautification works around the track will also be carried out besides developing the circuit’s main gate and the surrounding fences. Some 180,000sqm of green spaces will be implemented.

• Development of Roads Surrounding the Circuit – Package 3

The third package of the project includes the development of interchanges and roads surrounding the circuit and its internal roads with a length of 21km, and linking them to the main road network.

• Infrastructure Development Works

The infrastructure works implemented within the project’s third package include the development of the stormwater drainage network over 19km, groundwater drainage network over 14.6km, drainage network over 5.9 km, in addition to the TSE (treated sewage effluent) network over 6km, which will be used in irrigation, and electricity lines over 35.6km, as well as upgrading the communications lines.

The first phase of the Lusail Circuit Upgrade Project had contributed to the success of the Qatar Grand Prix held in March 2021, and the MotoGP World Championship hosted by Qatar in April the same year.
"The development works in the current phase will contribute to preparing the Lusail International Circuit to host larger events in parallel with Qatar's positioning as a global destination that attracts the most important sports events, after its success in hosting and organising the largest global and regional sporting events with a high level of competence year after year and event after another," the statement added.