Moto2 - Lusail

The Lusail International Circuit in Qatar hosts a round of the 2026 FIM Moto2 World Championship. This race stands alone as the only night race on the championship calendar. The circuit, located north of Doha, provides a premier venue for intermediate-class motorcycle racing under powerful floodlights.

Circuit Specifications

The Lusail International Circuit measures 5.419 kilometers in length. The track features 16 turns, with 10 right-handers and 6 left-handers. The main straight extends 1.068 kilometers, allowing riders to reach high speeds. The circuit was built with motorcycle racing as a priority, resulting in a flowing layout that combines medium and high-speed corners. The venue holds an FIA Grade 1 license.

Major facility upgrades have expanded capacity to 52,000 spectators. The renovations included construction of the world's longest Formula 1 pitlane building, which contains 50 pit boxes. New grandstands, fan zones, and viewing areas enhance the spectator experience. Lusail Hill at Turn 1 offers a landscaped viewing location. Artificial grass surrounds the track to prevent desert sand from affecting the racing surface.

Race Weekend Format

The 2026 Lusail Moto2 race takes place entirely under floodlight conditions. The weekend schedule includes multiple free practice sessions, allowing teams to optimize their bike setups for the circuit's characteristics and night racing conditions. Friday sessions focus solely on free practice, giving teams extended time for setup adjustments. Qualifying sessions determine the starting grid positions for the main race, which awards championship points based on finishing positions.

Participating Teams and Riders

The 2026 Moto2 grid features several confirmed team lineups. Red Bull KTM Ajo fields Collin Veijer in his second season alongside 2025 Moto3 World Champion José Antonio Rueda. American Racing Team pairs Filip Salač with Joe Roberts. Idemitsu Honda Team Asia promotes Taiyo Furusato to join Mario Aji.

Italjet Gresini Racing presents an all-new lineup with Sergio García and Alonso López. Elf Marc VDS Racing Team brings in Arón Canet and Deniz Öncü. Italtrans Racing Team features Daniel Muñoz making his full-time debut alongside Adrián Huertas. MSi Racing Team promotes Ángel Piqueras to partner with Iván Ortolá.

BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 retains Izan Guevara and adds rookie Alberto Ferrández. Fantic Racing combines Tony Arbolino with Barry Baltus. Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP continues with Senna Agius and Manuel González.

Technical Regulations

Moto2 uses a standardized engine format to emphasize rider skill. All teams utilize a three-cylinder 765cc Triumph engine that produces approximately 140 horsepower. Each rider receives an allocation of seven engines for the complete season. Teams select their preferred chassis from specialized constructors such as Kalex or Boscoscuro. All entries use the same electronic management system provided by the championship promoter.

Riders must manage their tire allocation throughout the weekend, with 8 front tires and 9 rear tires available. The minimum combined weight for bike and rider is 217 kilograms. Moto2 bikes do not feature electronic rider aids like traction control, placing emphasis on pure riding ability, tire management, and braking precision. Average lap speeds at Lusail reach approximately 161.5 kilometers per hour, with top speeds recorded at 298.3 kilometers per hour. Riders typically perform 35 gear changes per lap.

Circuit Heritage

The Lusail International Circuit was constructed in less than one year at a cost of 58 million US dollars. The facility opened in 2004 and hosted the Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix in its inaugural year. Permanent outdoor lighting was installed in 2007, enabling the first night race in MotoGP history in 2008. The circuit has remained a regular fixture on the MotoGP calendar since opening, with the event scheduled to continue at Lusail until at least 2031.

The venue has hosted multiple major motorsport categories, including Formula One, FIA World Endurance Championship, World Superbike, and World Touring Car Championship.

Distinctive Characteristics

Lusail is one of only two circuits worldwide that hosts MotoGP, Formula One, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The comprehensive lighting system allows all racing activities to occur after sunset, providing relief from Qatar's hot daytime climate. The artificial grass installation around the track perimeter serves a functional purpose, preventing sand from the surrounding desert from affecting the racing surface.

The night race format creates a unique visual spectacle and presents specific challenges for riders and teams. Teams must adapt their setups for cooler track temperatures and reduced natural light conditions. The 2026 edition promises compelling racing action as Moto2 riders compete on this distinctive Middle Eastern circuit.