Qatar has inked a ten-year deal with European-based sport Formula 1 (F1) starting from 2023, but including hosting a race next month, reports say.
Per the deal, the Gulf country will host in November a race at the Losail circuit outside Doha and then for ten years from 2023 once the gas-rich country has hosted the 2022 soccer World Cup.
Qatar has become the third Arab country and in the region to provide venue for the grand prix after Bahrain hosted the first circuit in 2004 and Abu Dhabi in 2009.
“There was a strong will from Qatar to be helpful to F1, and in the course of this process, the vision for a longer partnership was discussed and agreed for 10 years,” F1 said in a statement.
“As part of the longer-term deal, discussions will continue regarding the location for the Grand Prix from 2023 with further details to be provided at a later time,” it added.
Races to follow in December will be hosted in neighboring Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
Saudi Arabia also signed a decade-long deal with F1.
