Qatar are pushing for a spot on the Formula 1 calendar, with initial plans for a race being revealed.
The country have the go ahead from the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thani to become the third in the Middle East after Bahrain and Abu Dhabi to host an F1 race, around the streets of Lusail.
Qatar are a known presence in MotoGP, being on the sport’s calendar since 2004. As well as being the country to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Although F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone suggested that the chances of the Qatar race happening was down to further support being gained from Bahrain, who reportedly have a clause on their race contract that enables them to prevent Qatar from staging a race.
Should Qatar’s plans be officially rubber-stamped by the FIA, a race can possibly be held as early as next year, most likely in 2017.
