Moto3 - Lusail

The Lusail International Circuit in Qatar hosts the Moto3 World Championship race as part of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. This race takes place under floodlights as a night event, creating unique conditions for riders and fans. The circuit is located north of Doha, just outside Lusail City, and serves as one of the most distinctive venues in motorcycle racing.

Lusail International Circuit Features

The Lusail International Circuit spans 5.419 kilometers in length. The main straight extends over one kilometer, giving riders significant space for speed. The track layout includes 16 corners, with 10 right-handers and 6 left-handers. This combination of medium and high-speed turns offers varied challenges throughout each lap.

The circuit was built specifically for motorcycle racing. Artificial grass surrounds the track to keep desert sand away from the racing surface. Recent upgrades have expanded the facility with new grandstands that hold 52,000 spectators, an improved paddock area, and modern pit facilities. The circuit holds both FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A homologation, making it one of only two facilities worldwide to host MotoGP, Formula 1, and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Night Race Under Floodlights

The Moto3 race at Lusail takes place after dark under permanent outdoor lighting. The system uses 3,600 lamps powered by 44 generators to illuminate the entire circuit. These lights create distinctive visual conditions that test rider skill and concentration. Glowing carbon brake discs become visible under heavy braking, adding to the spectacle for viewers.

Moto3 Class Technical Information

The Moto3 class features single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke grand prix motorcycles. Honda and KTM serve as the primary manufacturers supplying engines and technical support to teams. The bikes produce approximately 60 horsepower and represent the entry level for Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

The technical regulations for the 2026 season carry over from the previous year. Teams work with these spec machines to optimize setup and performance for each circuit. The Moto3 class provides young riders with their first experience in world championship competition.

Teams and Riders for 2026

Several teams have confirmed their lineups for the 2026 Moto3 World Championship. Red Bull KTM Ajo fields Alvaro Carpe and Brian Uriarte, with Uriarte joining from the Red Bull Rookies Cup. CFMoto Aspar Team runs Maximo Quiles and Marco Morelli. Leopard Racing features Adrián Fernández and Guido Pini.

Additional teams include Gryd – MLav Racing with Eddie O'Shea and Joel Kelso, Honda Team Asia with Veda Pratama and Zen Mitani, and Rivacold Snipers Team with Nicola Carraro and Jesús Ríos. Sic58 Squadra Corse runs Leo Rammerstorfer and Casey O'Gorman. CIP Green Power fields Adrián Cruces and Scott Ogden.

Other confirmed entries include Code Motorsports with Cormac Buchanan and Ruché Moodley, LevelUp – MTA with Matteo Bertelle and Joel Esteban, and Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP with David Almansa and David Muñoz. Aeon Credit – MT Helmets – MSi runs Ryusei Yamanaka and Hakim Danish.

Circuit History and Background

The Lusail International Circuit opened in 2004 and immediately began hosting motorcycle Grand Prix events. Construction took less than a year, with approximately 1,000 workers completing the project at a cost of US$58 million. A MotoGP Safety Commission that included experienced riders approved the track layout before opening.

The facility introduced night racing to Grand Prix motorcycles in 2008, a format that has remained popular. The circuit stands as the only motorsport facility in Qatar. Despite its desert location, the venue has occasionally experienced rain during race events, adding another variable to competition.

What the Event Offers

The Moto3 race at Lusail typically produces close competition throughout the field. The track layout favors multiple racing lines, allowing riders to attempt passes at various points around the circuit. Position changes occur frequently during the race as riders battle for championship points.

The night race format creates specific challenges for competitors. Temperature differences between day and night affect track conditions and tire performance. Visibility under artificial lighting requires riders to adjust their visual references compared to daytime racing. These factors combine to test rider adaptability and racecraft.

The event spans three days, with practice sessions allowing teams to refine their motorcycle setups for Qatar conditions. Qualifying sessions determine grid positions for the main race. Each session provides data that teams analyze to improve performance.

The combination of a purpose-built motorcycle circuit, state-of-the-art facilities, and the unique night race format makes the Moto3 event at Lusail a distinctive part of the championship calendar. Fans can expect close racing and fierce competition as riders push for valuable points in the standings.