Moto2 - Lusail

The Lusail Moto2 race brings intermediate-class Grand Prix motorcycle racing to the Losail International Circuit in Qatar for the 2026 season. This race forms part of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, which features all three Grand Prix classes. The event stands out as the only night race on the FIM World Championship calendar, with the entire racing program taking place under floodlights.

The Losail International Circuit

The Losail International Circuit sits north of Doha, just outside Lusail city. The track stretches 5.419 kilometers (3.367 miles) and features 16 turns. The main straight measures 1.068 kilometers (0.664 miles), providing opportunities for overtaking and high-speed action.

The circuit opened in 2004 after less than a year of construction at a cost of $58 million. The venue holds both FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A licenses, certifying it for top-level motorsport. Following major renovations completed in 2023, the main grandstands now accommodate 40,000 spectators, with total capacity reaching 52,000.

Night Racing Under Floodlights

A sophisticated outdoor lighting system installed in 2008 enables night racing at Lusail. The floodlights create a unique atmosphere for riders and fans. The circuit made history in 2008 by hosting the first-ever night race in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

Desert Environment Solutions

Artificial grass surrounds the track to prevent desert sand from blowing onto the racing surface. This solution addresses the challenges of operating a motorsport facility in a desert environment. The circuit team maintains these surfaces throughout the season to ensure consistent track conditions.

Moto2 Technical Specifications

The Moto2 class uses a standardized engine approach that emphasizes rider skill and team engineering. All bikes feature a three-cylinder 765cc Triumph engine, introduced to the class in 2019. Teams receive seven engines for the complete season.

Teams select their own chassis from specialist constructors. Kalex and Boscoscuro dominate the grid, with Forward also offering a chassis option. This freedom allows teams to develop different approaches to setup and handling.

All competitors use a unified electronic management system provided by the championship promoter. Pirelli supplies all tires for the class. For 2026, riders will use soft SC1 and medium SC2 slick solutions at the front. The rear features new standard soft SC0 and medium SC1 tires developed from previous specifications. A minimum rear tire pressure of 1.50 bar (22 PSI) applies.

The combined minimum weight for bike and rider totals 217 kilograms. Moto2 bikes do not feature electronic rider aids such as traction control. This absence places premium value on pure riding ability, tire management, and braking control.

Teams and Riders for 2026

The 2026 Moto2 World Championship features a competitive field of teams and riders. Several riders have moved up from Moto3, joining established Moto2 competitors.

Dynavolt Intact GP fields Manuel Gonzalez and Senna Agius on Kalex machinery. Gresini Racing Moto2 runs Alonso Lopez alongside Sergio Garcia, also on Kalex bikes. CFMoto Aspar Team features David Alonso and Daniel Holgado.

American Racing continues with Joe Roberts and Filip Salač. Italtrans Racing Team fields Daniel Munoz and Adrian Huertas. Speed Up Racing runs Celestino Vietti and Luca Lunetta on Boscoscuro chassis.

MT Helmets - MSi operates Ivan Ortola and Angel Piqueras on mixed machinery. Elf Marc VDS Racing Team runs Aron Canet and Deniz Öncü on Boscoscuro bikes. Red Bull KTM Ajo fields Collin Veijer and José Antonio Rueda.

Fantic Racing features Barry Baltus and Tony Arbolino. Idemitsu Honda Team Asia runs Taiyo Furusato and Mario Aji. Blu Cru Pramac Yamaha Moto2 operates Izan Guevara and Alberto Ferrández on Boscoscuro chassis.

Klint Forward Factory Team uses Forward chassis for Alex Escrig and Jorge Navarro. Momoven Idrofoglia RW Racing Team fields Ayumu Sasaki and Zonta van den Goorbergh on Kalex machines.

Race Weekend Format

The Lusail Moto2 race weekend includes multiple track sessions. Free practice sessions allow teams to test different setups and tire options. Teams use this time to optimize their bikes for the circuit's unique characteristics and night conditions.

Qualifying sessions determine grid positions for the race. The format enables riders to showcase their single-lap speed. The main race represents the culmination of the weekend, with championship points awarded to finishers.

Since 2024, Friday sessions focus on free practice without timed qualifying elements. This change provides additional development time for teams to work on their machines.

Circuit History and Heritage

The Losail International Circuit hosted its first major event in October 2004, welcoming Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The venue quickly established itself as a key location on the calendar.

The 2008 season marked a turning point when Lusail introduced night racing to Grand Prix motorcycle racing. This innovation changed how the sport could be presented and scheduled. The floodlit races created new visual opportunities for television coverage.

The circuit has hosted multiple motorsport disciplines beyond motorcycle racing. Formula 1, the FIA World Endurance Championship, World Superbike, and the World Touring Car Championship have all visited Lusail. This variety demonstrates the venue's flexibility and quality.

Weather remains unpredictable despite the desert location. In 2009, heavy rainfall caused significant disruption to the race program, proving that desert circuits can face unexpected conditions.

What Makes This Race Special

The night racing format creates a distinctive visual experience. The floodlights illuminate the track against the dark desert sky. Riders must adapt their vision and reference points compared to daytime racing.

Lusail ranks among the circuits with highest fuel consumption during the season. The long straight and high-speed corners demand significant power output. This characteristic influences bike setup choices and race strategy.

The Moto2 class at Lusail typically produces close racing. The combination of the long straight for overtaking and technical corner sections rewards both brave passes and defensive riding. The standardized engines mean that rider skill and team setup determine success.

Temperature conditions differ between day and night sessions. Track temperatures drop as the sun sets, affecting tire behavior and grip levels. Teams must account for these variations when analyzing practice data and planning race strategy.

The 2026 Moto2 race at Lusail promises competitive action between talented riders on well-matched machinery. The unique night setting at the Losail International Circuit provides a memorable backdrop for intermediate-class Grand Prix racing.