3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) announced The Race is On, an exhibition celebrating Qatar’s motorsport history and marking a new era for Formula 1 in the country.
The exhibition opens to the public on November 6, and will be on view until April 1, 2025, at the museum’s E8 Exhibition Gallery. It will showcase Formula One and rally history and examine Qatar’s journey as an international host and leading competitor, from the first Qatar Motor Rally in 1975 to last year’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit.
The exhibition is timed to coincide with the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix from November 29 until December 1 and the 2025 Qatar International Rally on February 1-2, 2025.
In a press statement, 3-2-1 QOSM president HE Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla al-Thani said: “Over the last decade, Qatar has gained significant regional and international recognition as a hub for cultural and sporting events, and is now becoming home to F1 races. The Race is On is a testament to Qatar Museums and 3-2-1 QOSM’s commitment to diversifying the cultural offerings to visitors from Qatar and around the world, providing them with unforgettable experiences. We invite everyone to join us as we mark a thrilling era in Qatar’s motorsport history.”
The exhibition presents a unique range of historic items from the 3-2-1 QOSM and Silverstone Museum in the UK and local and international lenders. Among the highlights are racing suits worn by Formula 1 and rally champions, trophies, tyres from past races, an intricate model of the Lusail Circuit, and original and exact replica helmets, and more. Visitors will be able to admire these pieces while learning about the drivers and the stories behind them.
3-2-1 QOSM director Abdulla Yousuf al-Mulla said: “The Race is On marks a significant milestone in Qatar’s motorsport legacy, and 3-2-1 QOSM is honoured to present an exhibition that reflects the passion, innovation, and speed of this exhilarating sport. This exhibition spotlights legends from F1 history and Qatar’s trailblazing rally heroes, and celebrates Qatar’s ever-expanding role in international motorsports.”
Visitors will journey through a timeline of motorsport in Qatar, connecting moments from the earliest rally races in the 1970s to today’s high-octane Formula 1 events.
Interactive experiences, including e-sports racing simulators, will allow visitors to experience the thrill of being behind the wheel of a racing car.
The exhibition is presented in collaboration with key partners, including the UK’s Silverstone Museum. It is also supported by Qatar Auto Museum, Store 974, Al Hazm, and Seashore Group. The exhibition is curated by Susan Hayward, deputy director of Curatorial Affairs at 3-2-1 QOSM, and led by al-Mulla, and the 3-2-1 team.
Silverstone Museum CEO Phil Lawrie said: "Located at the home of British motor racing and the birthplace of the Formula 1 World Championship, Silverstone Museum is proud to partner with 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum for this exciting motorsport exhibition.
“The Race is On perfectly aligns with our mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of motorsport, and we are thrilled to contribute our expertise and unique artefacts to showcase the remarkable journey of Qatar's motorsport evolution”.
Among the highlights include exact replica helmets, among others
