Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit has completed extensive renovations ahead of the track’s addition to the FIA World Endurance Championship calendar in 2024.
While the track layout for the 5.8-kilometer (3.603 miles) circuit has remained unchanged, upgrades focused on expanded seating capacity and new viewing areas, amongst other things.
The amount of garage space has received a significant boost with 50 pit boxes now usable at the circuit. Spectator capacity has been increased as grandstands can now accommodate 40,000 people with parking capacity for 15,000.
The increase in spectator capacity also comes with a larger public fan zone and new VIP areas, as well as a public elevated viewing area at the first corner, named “Lusail Hill.”
Other additions include an updated media center, new medical facilities, paddock area and pit buildings. Major works on surrounding roads and intersections have also been undertaken to improve public access to and from the track.
While the renovations were completed ahead of next week’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, the WEC will visit the track for the first time when it hosts both its Prologue on February 24-25 as well as the season-opening Qatar 1812km, named after the country’s National Day, on March 2.
The track is due to remain on the WEC calendar until at least 2029 as part of a six-year deal announced last year.