Can Qatar replace the Australian Grand Prix?
Qatar could join the 2021 Formula 1 calendar in November to replace the Australian Grand Prix, which was canceled earlier in the season.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on races, F1 continues to explore several avenues to strengthen the second part of the season. Recently, the Japanese Grand Prix was canceled due to the health situation. It joins Canada, Singapore, and Australia on the list of canceled events this season.
The officials of Formula 1 are looking for a replacement for the Australian Grand Prix, initially scheduled for November 21. According to Motorsport.com, Qatar seems to be in pole position to replace it. The Losail circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 license required to host F1 events. This circuit has been used for MotoGP since 2004 and also has full lighting that would allow for a night race, like in Bahrain.
This circuit is not very commonly used by single-seaters in general. The last appearance of these dates back to 2009 with the GP2, the predecessor of what is now the Formula 2.
If for now nothing is official, Qatar would create a series of races in the Middle East at the end of the season by kicking off in Saudi Arabia (December 5) and Abu Dhabi (December 12) to close this season.
