Doha: Losail Circuit Sports Club (LCSC) has wrapped up an active racing season prior to the summer slowdown.
During the last six months, the circuit was a beehive, hosting international and local championships, dedicating specific dates for training and track, and organising marketing events and community activities.
The circuit season totalled around 140 days of activities and has capitalised on its floodlight system to host exclusive championships at night.
The newly-appointed management of LCSC is determined to position it as a regional hub for motorsports and an attractive destination for the local community, particularly for cycling and walking sports fans and activists.
Remarking on the new plans of the circuit, Chairman Saud Al Attiyah, explained: “Our key objective is to promote motor sport in the region in partnership with Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, and engage the local community to actively participate in our activities.” Among the signature international events organised this season was the prominent MXGP World Championship, which was held last February for the fourth time in Losail Track, and is the only MX Championship to be held at night and in the Middle East.
The Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar held last March for the 13th time is the only event in the MotoGP calendar to date that is held at night and the switch to night-time racing nine years ago has proven to be a continuing success.
The circuit is heavily capitalising on its facilities and during the last Sealine Cross Country Rally in April, LCSC partnered with Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) - the organiser of the rally, as a logistics provider.
National championships held in the first half of 2016, included Losail 600 Cup for motorbikes and Qatar Touring Car Championship for cars. Both events were held in March, April and May.
Losail Circuit has also embarked on a systematic programme to increase the utilisation of the circuit facilities and track.
A new initiative started last January targeting Cycling, Running and Walking enthusiasts.
Last April, more than 200 women participating in “Women on Wheels” spent the day in the circuit using the track for cycling and running.
As part of its continuous efforts to be a Motorsport hub, Losail Circuit Sports Club hosted a series of marketing and launching activities such as the Qatar Motorshow press conference, Lexus Qatar Driving Event, Cadillac Driving event, McLaren Doha Driving Event, Mini Driving event, Ferrari Qatar, Porsche 911 Launch, Doha Dash Running event for the National Sports Day with more than 3,000 participants, and Yamaha, Aprilia and Ducati MotoGP Testing.
Starting this May, Karting and Mini Moto track was opened on Thursdays and Fridays for the public until June 24th with special timings during Ramadan. Al Attiyah commented after witnessing an increase in demand for the training days to use the track.
“We have noticed that training days have become a big success. We received positive feedback from sports fans in Qatar.
“In the first half of this year, we had only 23 days without activities in the track, which means we are moving in the right direction,” he added.
The Peninsula
