Major upgrades to Lusail International Circuit completed for QatarGP Full track resurfaced along with facility upgrades Geobrugg debris fences installed circuit wide

The Lusail International Circuit has overhauled its facilities and safety measures as it prepares to host the Qatar GP.

In anticipation of a large number of spectators across the weekend on 6-8 October, fan facilities have been upgraded with safety at the forefront of the renovations. For the main spectator areas, which includes a new Grandstand at Turn 2 and the hub of fun at the Fan Zone, over 2.5 kilometres of debris fences from Swiss company Geobrugg have been installed.

Its new 6-meter post spacing solution was selected, which improves on-track views without compromising safety. Fans will also have additional big screens that have been placed in viewing areas around the 5.418 km circuit to watch the action.

Geobrugg’s mobile debris fences have been used to create shortcuts at Turns 2 and 10, creating multiple configurations of the circuit for the various championship that will run on it. Over 500 meters of Marshal post debris fencing has been installed to ensure Marshals also receive the highest levels of protection.

As a night race, advanced light systems have been put in place to ensure maximum visibility for drivers. A new surface has been laid down ahead of this year’s race. Digital flag panels have also been installed.

The work was completed in close co-ordination with the FIA and FIM, to ensure the circuit remains suitable for both car and motorcycle racing. Track simulations were completed to ahead of construction to ensure the circuit continued to meet the safety standards of both governing bodies. The circuit’s current deal with MotoGP extends until 2031 and it is expanding its horizons with the addition of the World Endurance Championship, hosting its season opener from next year.

“We are expecting large number of fans to attend Qatar GP, that said spectator safety is of paramount importance to us. We have ensured to incorporate highest levels of safety measures on the track,” said Amro Al Hamad, CEO of Lusail International Circuit and Exeutive Director of Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation.

Jochen Braunwarth, Director Motorsport Solutions, Geobrugg said: “We’re incredibly proud to add the Lusail International Circuit to the growing list of Grand Prix venues that are adopting our debris fence solutions. As a venue, Lusail is going from strength to strength, adding a combination of car and bike racing to its portfolio, so it was vital the circuit had the best fencing safety.”
For further info, contact Jochen Braunwarth.

About Geobrugg
Geobrugg develops and manufactures protection systems made of high-tensile steel wire. These systems protect against natural hazards such as rockfall, landslides, debris flow, and avalanches. They ensure safety in mining and tunneling, and on motorsport circuits to stop impacts from falling or flying objects. Geobrugg has more than 400 specialists worldwide, production facilities on five continents, as well as branches and partners in over 50 countries.

About Lusail International Circuit
Lusail International circuit (LIC) is a premier motorsport destination in Qatar that combines a world-class FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grand A circuit. state-of-the-art facilities to support various action-packed international and local motorsport events. 

Hosting the only Middle Eastern round of the MotoGP World Championship since 2004 following the construction of the circuit, LIC has steadily grown its portfolio of major international motorsports events and, in November 2021, welcomed the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Qatar along with a ten-year commitment to race in Qatar until 2032. More recently, LIC announced that the World Endurance Championship (WEC) will debut in Qatar as “Qatar 1812” from 2024 to 2029, meaning that all three pinnacle global motorsport events will now occur at the circuit.

Recent enhancements to the 5.38 kilometers Lusail International Circuit such as innovative technology upgrades to the race control, media, and medical centers, new pit boxes, and expanded fan areas, advance the circuit’s ambition to provide unforgettable experiences to motorsports enthusiasts.