Qatar Airways and Formula One *

Only announced in October the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix (GP), 21 November, has spurred a volley of interest by fans from all over the world and is being supported by Qatar Airways. The win by Lewis Hamilton yesterday (13 November) of the Brazilian GP has made the Doha race a key round in the 2021 drivers championship.   

With a flight time of 6hr 30min and no accommodation problems, it is proving an attractive weekend proposition for enthusiasts. From the UK sadly the notice was too short for the A380 introduction from Heathrow, planned from 15 December.  See BA in Gatwick takeover in this week's BTN for all ex-UK flights.

“We are getting tremendous interest and packages are available,” said UK Qatar Airways Director Gary Kershaw.  “Visitors can also see the great progress being made with the stadiums and infrastructure for the FIFA World Cup in 12 months’ time.”  

The race takes place on the purpose-built 3.3-mile Losail International Circuit opened in 2004 and much used for motorcycle racing.  It is 22 miles north of the city.  The track has not been resurfaced since 2004, so it has worn and exposed the coarse aggregate. That should mean good grip and levels of abrasiveness with regards to tyre wear.  

At the moment no decision has been made as to whether it will be a night race, as preferred by the motorcycle fraternity, but the two wheelers seem pleased with the plentiful illumination provided.  

Qatar Airways has contracted with four aircraft to provide non-stop charters bringing the teams half way around the world from São Paulo, a distance of 7,300 miles taking 15 hours.

www.qatarairways.com

www.formula1.com/en/racing/2021/qatar.html

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Malcolm Ginsberg, Edgware London

Please see further COMMENT “BA in Gatwick takeover” https://www.btnews.co.uk/article/18408

Sam Alright, United Kingdom

Congratulations to Qatar Airways. They have scooped the pool, first with the World Cup and now the pre-penultimate F1 race. In the middle of the desert too!