All routes lead to Losail Circuit Sports Club as Qatar gets set for F1 debut

From Sao Paolo to Doha – the F1 bandwagon is moving to Losail Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) for this week’s Formula 1 Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix 2021. From November 19-21, the 5.38km Losail Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) will host the Round 20 of the 22-stop F1 calendar in 2021. A staggering number of 260 F1 freight containers – carried by eight Qatar Airways flights – has already kicked off its journey towards LCSC as Qatar prepares for its maiden F1 race weekend. The historic announcement was made at the end of September when it was confirmed state-of-the-art LCSC will host the Qatar Grand Prix at a venue that has become the centre of motorsport since 2004. Meanwhile, many of the ticketed areas to the upcoming and historic race weekend are sold out with just a few seats available for the overall event. Ticket holders getting ready to watch the first ever F1 race in Qatar can find their way to the iconic venue using Metro and special shuttle services planned by the organisers. QMMF confirmed that there will be three Fan Zones located near the Main Grandstand, the Losail Club Grandstand and VIP Club and one next to the Corner Ten Grandstand. Fans entering the Grandstands (Zone A, B and C) will have access to Fan Zones inside LCSC premises where there is a full schedule of entertainment and a wide range of activities. Fans can also avail of the food courts and visit F1 merchandising outlets. Fans will also get complimentary tickets to shuttles between Lusail Metro Station and LCSC. The organisers have announced that Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) directives would be strictly implemented throughout the race weekend at LCSC. Qatar residents with tickets must be fully vaccinated and at least 14 days should have passed since the second dose. Also, fans walking in through the turnstiles must show the Green Code on the Ehteraz App on their cellphones. Overseas fans can show an official certificate of their vaccine to get entry into LCSC, organisers said. More details on Covid-19 protocols can be obtained from the LCSC’s official Instagram page ‘losailcircuit’. Fans with tickets to Losail Club Grandstand will get access to the food court, Sports Lounge and complimentary tickets to shuttles between Lusail Metro Station and LCSC. Fans with Losail VIP Club tickets would not only enjoy live action entertainment but they will have access to 5-star catering (buffet and beverages) and go directly to the Sports Bar Lounge. Privileged parking will also be provided. A taxi service is also available for those wanting to be driven away from the venue after attending the practice sessions, qualifying, and race action on all days of action at LCSC. Those interested in purchasing the few remaining tickets can go to https://tickets.circuitlosail.com to secure their attendance at LCSC. Racing fans have been advised to purchase the tickets as quickly as possible as only a few seats remain unsold. Fans have been urged to reach the venue well ahead of the starting track action on all three days to avoid unnecessary entry hassle thousands of fans are expected throughout the weekend. On November 19, two free practice sessions will launch the proceedings while November 20 will see F1 drivers getting ready for Official Qualifying following a third practice session scheduled for the afternoon. The Official Race will be staged on November 21 when F1 drivers take to the grid at 5pm Qatar time. Access for fans with physical disabilities will be accorded special parking inside the facility. Access would be granted to fans who have a wheelchair sticker clearly visible on their car windscreens, organisers said. Children under the age of 12 are required to take a rapid antigen test at a certified centre within 24 hours of the race starting time. Proof of a negative test will then have to be shown at the circuit gate on race day.