Qatar closing in on Formula One race deal

Qatar is set to become the latest country to host a Formula 1 race with the country's motorsport chief saying they are about to sign a deal.

Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) president Nasser bin Khalifa al-Attiyah in a report by Agence France-Pressein said Qatar’s debut on the calendar of the motor racing series would be in 2016 or 2017, with a contract poised to be signed.

Losail International Circuit already hosts rounds on the MotoGP and Superbike World Championship (WSBK) motorcycling calendars and will stage the World Touring Car Championship’s (WTCC) maiden night race next season. However, it is believed that attention has switched to developing the new street circuit rather than utilising Lusail’s facility for F1