MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix, Lusail

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MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix, Lusail guide

MotoGP under Lusail's floodlights in November.

In short

Motorbike racing fans get an unusual late-season night race at Lusail International Circuit, moved to Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November 2026 as round 20. Friday is for practice, Saturday for qualifying and the Sprint, and the Grand Prix runs on Sunday evening. Coming near the end of the championship, it may matter for the title.

Lusail International Circuit, just north of Doha, runs MotoGP's only night race under floodlights. Qatar usually opens the season in spring, but in 2026 the Grand Prix moves to Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November. As round 20 it comes near the end of the championship, when the title may still be open.

The race was first scheduled for 12 April and was pushed back because of the regional conflict. Friday is for practice. Saturday brings qualifying and the Sprint, and the Grand Prix itself runs on Sunday evening.

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Key Facts & Stats:
Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026 – Sunday, 8 November 2026
Starts: 6:00 PM
Where: Al Daayen, Qatar
Venue: Lusail International Circuit
Held: Every year
Type of event: Sporting Events, Live Events
Currency: Qatari riyal (QAR, QR)
Time zone: Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3
Language: Arabic
Happening now

Ends Sunday, 8 November 2026

Map

Getting around

Hotels near the venue fill up around the event dates.

What happens on the day

  1. Friday 6 November

    Practice

    Free practice sessions for the MotoGP class.

  2. Saturday 7 November

    Qualifying and the Sprint

    Qualifying sets the grid, followed by the Sprint race.

  3. Sunday 8 November

    Grand Prix

    The 22-lap race under floodlights; session times are published a few weeks before.

Three-day passes and where you can sit

Ticketing is straightforward. A three-day adult pass costs about QAR 200, and it lets you sit anywhere in the Main Grandstand or on Lusail Hill, the raised viewing area by Turn 1. Admission is free for under-12s, with a maximum of six per paying adult, though each child must still be booked through the circuit's official LCSC platform, while those aged 2 and under need no ticket.

Every ticket includes the Fan Zone. Since grandstand seats are unreserved, get there early on race day if you want to see the start, and pack ear protection, particularly for children.

Lusail's history and the first MotoGP night race

Lusail International Circuit opened in 2004, and in 2008 Qatar hosted the first night race in MotoGP history, run under floodlights. A lap measures roughly 5.38 km, and its 1,068 m main straight is one of the longest MotoGP uses.

A grid of 22 riders starts a race of 22 laps, roughly 118 km in total. Marc Márquez won before a crowd of more than 40,000 in 2025, and the late slot in 2026 could give the race extra weight in the title fight.

Getting there

To the circuit

No public transport plan had been announced for race weekend, so count on a taxi, a ride-hailing app or a rental car.

Parking and drop-off

The organisers provide free parking and set taxi drop-off and pick-up zones.

Where to stay during the festival

Lusail has a growing number of hotels close to the circuit, which saves time after the evening sessions. Central Doha has far more choice and is a short drive south.

Doha

Mandarin Oriental, Doha5-star hotel

No reviews yet
from$307.00/ night
  • Internet – Wifi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Swimming pool
3 Rooms available Book Now

Lusail

Raffles Doha5-star hotel

No reviews yet
from$521.00/ night
  • Internet – Wifi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Swimming pool
3 Rooms available Book Now

Doha

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli5-star hotel

No reviews yet
from$69.00/ night
  • Free WiFi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Swimming pool
10 Rooms available Book Now
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Weather and what to pack

Early November is warm by day and mild after dark. On the 1992–2021 normals from the Qatar Meteorological Department for Doha, November averages highs of 29.7 °C and lows of 22.0 °C, with about 11 mm of rain in the month.

The open stands catch the breeze once the sun goes down, so evenings feel cooler than the figures suggest.

Worth packing

  • An extra layer for the evening sessions
  • A hat and sun cream for daytime arrival
  • A refillable water bottle
  • Your booked ticket for each child under 12

Car hire in Al Daayen

Airport transfer to MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix, Lusail

Met at arrivals at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and driven door to door to Lusail International Circuit.

  • Hamad International Airport (DOH) → Lusail International Circuit
  • 36 km · 40 min
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Restaurants and food in Qatar

Places to eat in Qatar before or after the celebrations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Booking

Tickets are sold by Lusail International Circuit through its official website and approved partners, with weekend passes and single-day options. Buy from the official channel, since tickets are issued digitally and linked to the buyer. Prices for 2026 are set by the circuit, so check the current figures there.

General