Formula 1 gained not one, but two new Middle Eastern races for 2021 with Qatar joining the Formula 1 calendar for the first time.
With the Covid pandemic still causing issues internationally, Qatar stepped in to replace the cancelled 2021 Australian Grand Prix, meaning the drivers have a new twilight race to contest.
Losail International Circuit was named as the venue for the first ever Qatar Grand Prix, with the country in addition signing a 10-year deal starting from 2023 to host Formula 1 action.
Turn 1 - After the start/finish straight Turn 1 is a medium-speed right bend, where drivers get the power down on exit as the track opens back up.
Turn 2 - A short straight then leads into a left-hand bend, not as long as Turn 1 but a similar speed and the outside line is best.
Turn 3 - A minor right kink, easily full throttle for Formula 1 cars.
Turn 4 - Another short straight leads into a heavy braking zone for this almost-90 degrees right, the first stage of a double-right hander.
Turn 5 - After a quick blast on the throttle, it is back on the brakes for Turn 5, very similar to Turn 4 as the double-right hander is completed.
Turn 6 - The slowest corner of the track so far, hug the inside kerb for this left hairpin before drifting wide as the track opens up.
Turn 7 - Another hairpin, this time to the right and slightly wider, but still this is a low-speed turn.
Turn 8 - A very slight bend to the left, no need to lift.
Turn 9 - A slightly more sharp right kink, but again full throttle.
Turn 10 - Quickly the slow left hairpin of Turn 10 arrives, taking a nice wide line in to brush the apex kerb.
Turn 11 - Another open left bend with barely any adjustment of the steering wheel needed.
Turn 12 - A tricky section started by this first right hander, dull the throttle and nail the inside kerb.
Turn 13 - Briefly apply the power before lifting off again for the second right-hand turn.
Turn 14 - And then the final right turn, again a quick lift before powering out of this series of right bends.
Turn 15 - A wide left bend, which some drivers will attempt to nail flat out.
Turn 16 - Hard on the brakes for the final corner, a long right turn which opens up into the start/finish straight.
Friday 06 October
Free practice 1: 1:30pm-2:30pm [11:30am-12:30pm UK]
Qualifying: 5pm-6pm [3pm-4pm UK]
Saturday 07 October
Free practice 2: 1:30pm-2:30pm [11:30am-12:30pm UK]
Sprint: 5:30pm-6:30pm [3:30pm-4:30pm UK]
Sunday 08 October
Race: 5pm [3pm UK]
Formula 1 has asked fans to sign up via their email address on the official ticketing website to be informed when sales for the Qatar race will get underway.
Motorsporttickets.com have three-day tickets starting from £230 for the Corner Ten Grandstand and North Grandstand.
Tickets for all three of the above mentioned grandstands can also be purchased directly from the Losail Circuit Sports Club website.
The general grandstand is located down the main start/finish straight, opposite the pit buildings, but please note that for the 2021 staging all tickets in that stand have now sold out. The same can be said for the Losail VIP club.
Fear not though, as the Losail Club Grandstand promises to offer a perfect view of all the action down at Turns 9, 10 and 11, while the Corner Ten Grandstand is also a fantastic base to watch the drivers negotiate the challenging left hairpin there.
But if you are set on taking in the action of the main straight, then the North Grandstand located at Turn 1 is your best bet.
Doha airport is the closest option for those flying in to Losail International Circuit to watch the Qatar Grand Prix.
From the airport a taxi would then be the best option for reaching the track, while bus travel is also an option from the country's capital Doha. Karwa Bus have services heading towards Al Khor which pass the circuit.
Doha Metro runs a rail service with Lusail being the closest stop to the circuit, which is then 11 kilometers from Losail International Circuit.
If you plan to drive to the track, then it can be accessed from the Al Khor Coastal Road.
Address: Losail Circuit Sports Club, Al Wusail, North Relief Road, Doha, Qatar.
Lewis Hamilton claimed the first ever win at the circuit in 2021 as he beat out title rival Max Verstappen.
Hamilton may have secured the win but Verstappen took some consolation with the bonus point for the fastest lap. He set a time of 1:23.196 in the Red Bull Racing RB16B.
Lando Norris: "I like the track, it’s good fun, especially being a night session as well – we haven’t had a night session in quite a while. It’s fast, it’s high-speed and it’s a good challenge."
Carlos Sainz: "To be honest, I think this track has surprised everyone with how fast it is and the speed we are doing around the corners. That translates into having to work harder on the set-ups we originally had in mind and having to adapt throughout the day."
Lewis Hamilton: "This is a new track, it felt okay to drive, quite nice and no real issues, but it's all high-speed corners so it's quite physical."
