Qatar loses MotoGP season opener as renovations begin

Lusail International Circuit will forgo its place at the start of the MotoGP calendar for 2023 as extensive renovation begins at the Qatar track.

The venue is already confirmed on the MotoGP calendar until at least 2031, but with works to remodel the paddock area and circuit facilities commencing in the coming months, its position in the schedule has been postponed.

The remodelling project, which will see the Middle East’s flagship motorsport venue further confirm its status as one of the world’s best-equipped racing facilities, will begin to take shape in 2022 and will see various areas redeveloped including new areas for spectators - an interesting prospect due to the numbers usually attracted on site.

Lusail will continue to host the 2023 Grand Prix of Qatar upon completion of the work, however not in the opening position it has held since 2007. The desert visit will instead move towards the end of the season, alongside the traditional flyaway conclusion to the near-year-long action.