Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali confirms he is in talks with Qatar over staging a Grand Prix in the Gulf state later this year
- Qatar likely to make Formula One debut on November 21, Bahrain is on stand-by
- Stefano Domenicali confirmed the calendar will be reduced from 23 to 22 rounds
- Japanese Grand Prix won’t take place this year due to ongoing Covid concerns
Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali is in advanced talks with Qatar about staging a grand prix there this year.
The controversial move — which will provoke claims of ‘sportswashing’ human rights abuses in the Gulf state — comes despite Domenicali confirming that the calendar will be reduced from 23 to 22 rounds after the proposed Japanese race fell victim to Covid concerns.
Qatar’s likely debut is pencilled in for November 21, as the last of a triple header with Mexico and Brazil.
Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali is in talks with Qatar over staging a Grand Prix this year
If Qatar, also due to host the football World Cup next year, falls through, authorities in neighbouring Bahrain are on stand-by to host their second race of the season. Domenicali (below) said: ‘Yes, it is correct there have been talks. I cannot confirm or deny anything because it would be wrong from my side. We need to find a solution for the Australian cancellation and we will announce that soon.
‘Realistically, we are targeting 22 races now.’
The addition of Qatar — the existing Losail International Circuit 20 miles outside Doha will be used — would take the number of Arab countries hosting F1 grand prix to four, with Saudi Arabia the stage for the penultimate round on December 5. The finale is set for Abu Dhabi the following week
The Japanese Grand Prix will no longer take place this year due to ongoing Covid concerns