Qatar is still pushing hard to host a Formula 1 race, despite the fact F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is for now honouring an agreement he made with Bahrain to keep that race exclusive in the Middle East.
"We asked them (Bahrain) about Abu Dhabi and they agreed but they said a third race is probably not the way to go," said the 84-year-old recently.
But the chief of Qatar's Motor and Motorcycle Federation says plans are on track for an inaugural race as early as next year.
"Recently, we were very close to signing an agreement to host an F1 race. The entire project is ready. But some things didn’t work out and we need to show a little more patience," Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah (pictured above) told Doha Stadium Plus.
"All we need is a few more meetings with (F1 supremo) Bernie Ecclestone. We need a little more time, but we’ve the solution. All we need is a few more meetings with Bernie Ecclestone. We need a little more time, but we have the solution," he added.
Al Attiyah also confirmed that plans were already in place to develop a street circuit at the Losail City, which is being built, "Either we can use the existing circuit or else we’ll go for a new facility in Losail City. We’ve a lot of projects coming up and we’re ready for anything. We want to build a strong motorsport culture in the region."
Indeed, Qatar's hopes would get a huge boost if its reported joint bid with the Miami Dolphins owner to buy into F1's commercial rights is successful.
Latest News
Loading
