Grand Prix of Qatar

The Grand Prix of Qatar has been a staple of MotoGP’s calendar since 2004 and even became one of the series’ most spectacular rounds as its first-ever race held at night.

MotoGP made the Qatar Grand Prix its first-ever night race in the 2008 season, and has also frequently staged its season-opener at the Lusail International Circuit. The first four editions of the Qatar GP took place during the day, but the race was subject to intense levels of heat.

The 2004 running even saw MotoGP stage the inaugural event at the Lusail track following a £43m construction project on the outskirts of Doha. Further construction works as the track installed permanent outdoor lighting meant the Qatar GP would be held at night from 2008.

History of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar

MotoGP chose to stage the debut Grand Prix of Qatar in 2004 as the series’ first-ever race in the Middle East to help boost the world championship’s appeal in the region. But the round has also seen MotoGP be accused of helping Qatar to sportswash its image by racing there.

Qatar still had little in terms of major infrastructure when MotoGP arrived at the newly-built Lusail International Circuit for its first Grand Prix in the region. A sea of sand also surrounded the track around 30 minutes from a still-dusty Doha with temperatures even reaching 48°C.

Sand proved to be a major problem for the maiden Qatar Grand Prix, too, as winds swept it across the circuit. Changes over the years have reduced the problems that sand causes at a Qatar GP, largely thanks to the introduction of artificial grass beside the track, but not fully.

Sete Gibernau got Valentino Rossi excluded from qualifying for cheating at the 2004 Qatar GP

Sand even laid the foundations for controversy at the inaugural Qatar GP as Valentino Rossi of Yamaha fought Telefonica Movistar Honda rival Sete Gibernau for the 2004 MotoGP title. They arrived in Lusail for round 13/16 with Rossi leading with 229 points to Gibernau’s 190.

Rossi had turned a struggling Yamaha squad into instant title contenders after his defection from the factory Honda HRC crew. But the Italian could only manage P8 in qualifying for the Qatar GP as Gibernau slotted the Spaniard’s bike into third place, as Carlos Checa took pole.

So, with sand scattering the grid, Rossi’s crew snuck onto the track the night before the first Qatar Grand Prix with a scooter and did several burnouts to add extra rubber for a stronger launch. Yet despite trying to use the cover of darkness, Gibernau saw Rossi’s crew in the act.

Honda Pons also snuck onto the grid to sweep away the sand that covered the P12 grid slot Max Biaggi had secured. A murky picture also caught their crews in the act. So, as Gibernau submitted a formal complaint, team managers huddled ahead of the race to argue a penalty.

Ultimately, it was ruled that Rossi and Biaggi would both start the inaugural Qatar GP at the back of the grid, putting them both in a fit of rage. But, fired up, Rossi tore through the field and even ran in fourth place within the first four laps… only to fall once the Italian had third.

Rossi badly hurt his little finger in the crash and his anger had not subsided. So, speaking on Italian TV after the 2004 Qatar GP, Rossi declared: “I will make sure Gibernau will never win another race because of this!” And the Spaniard did not, despite starting another 38 races.

The 2004 Qatar GP would be Gibernau’s eighth and final premier class race win in a one-two finish with teammate Colin Edwards. After a trip back home for treatment on his hand, Rossi stormed to wins in Malaysia, Australia and Valencia to win the title by 47 points to Gibernau.

What is the Lusail International Circuit like?

It took little over a year to build the Lusail International Circuit ahead of MotoGP staging the inaugural Grand Prix of Qatar as the first event held at the track. Since then, it has become a pillar of the season with a blend of medium and high-speed turns and a 1km (0.6m) straight.

The Lusail International Circuit’s fast left-hand turns, in particular, proved to be very popular with MotoGP riders. It takes a lot of dedication to string together a fast lap of the Grand Prix of Qatar venue, with Turns 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and 16 providing a flurry of chances for overtakes.

Its fast-flowing nature and the importance of having a bike that is strong in the quick corners has also seen Yamaha enjoy lots of success at the Lusail International Circuit since the debut Qatar Grand Prix in 2004. But Ducati even enjoy trips to the Qatar GP given Lusail’s straights.

Winners of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar

Below, MotoGP News has listed every premier class rider to win the Qatar Grand Prix…