Motor City to come up in Qatar
Qatar is planning to build a dedicated facility that will cater to a whole range of motor sports, Gulf Times has learned.
The Qatar Motor City will contain a world-class oval track, a road racing course and a drag racing circuit. It will be the only such facility in the region.
The project is being headed by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad al-Thani, the owner of the Al-Anabi Group of drag racing teams in the US and the Middle East.
Sheikh Khalid, the president of the Qatar Race Club, has been in lengthy discussions with America’s NASCAR about involving the top US motor racing body in the Qatar Motor City project.
NASCAR is one of the leading professional sports in the US and comes second only to the NFL in popularity. Internationally, NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries.
Yesterday Sheikh Khalid became the first Qatari to drive a Formula One car when he took to the 5.3km Losail International Circuit in a Williams FW31.
He completed preparations for the event by travelling to the AT&T Williams team base in Oxford for a seat fit and a detailed instruction process in the team’s advanced simulator.
And after completing five laps, Sheikh Khalid said: “The Williams FW31 is a remarkable vehicle, unlike any other race car I’ve ever driven. Being the first Qatari to drive a Formula One car was an amazing experience I will not forget. I am proud that I was able to experience this honour at home in the State of Qatar.”
Sir Frank Williams, the AT&T Williams Team Principal said: “It was a privilege to be able to facilitate this historic first for His Highness and the State of Qatar today.
“The team of engineers that worked with Sheikh Khalid reported that he demonstrated considerable skill and aptitude in the simulator at our headquarters near Oxford this week.
“We hope a first-hand Formula One experience will assist in His Highness with his future vision for the Qatar Motor City.”
Source: Motor City to come up in Qatar
The Qatar Motor City will contain a world-class oval track, a road racing course and a drag racing circuit. It will be the only such facility in the region.
The project is being headed by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad al-Thani, the owner of the Al-Anabi Group of drag racing teams in the US and the Middle East.
Sheikh Khalid, the president of the Qatar Race Club, has been in lengthy discussions with America’s NASCAR about involving the top US motor racing body in the Qatar Motor City project.
NASCAR is one of the leading professional sports in the US and comes second only to the NFL in popularity. Internationally, NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries.
Yesterday Sheikh Khalid became the first Qatari to drive a Formula One car when he took to the 5.3km Losail International Circuit in a Williams FW31.
He completed preparations for the event by travelling to the AT&T Williams team base in Oxford for a seat fit and a detailed instruction process in the team’s advanced simulator.
And after completing five laps, Sheikh Khalid said: “The Williams FW31 is a remarkable vehicle, unlike any other race car I’ve ever driven. Being the first Qatari to drive a Formula One car was an amazing experience I will not forget. I am proud that I was able to experience this honour at home in the State of Qatar.”
Sir Frank Williams, the AT&T Williams Team Principal said: “It was a privilege to be able to facilitate this historic first for His Highness and the State of Qatar today.
“The team of engineers that worked with Sheikh Khalid reported that he demonstrated considerable skill and aptitude in the simulator at our headquarters near Oxford this week.
“We hope a first-hand Formula One experience will assist in His Highness with his future vision for the Qatar Motor City.”
Source: Motor City to come up in Qatar
