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2/26/2025
WEC Qatar 2025: technology and tradition on the track
With Mapecoat TNS Race Track the Lusail International Circuit is an explosion of new colours inspired by Sadu
The Lusail International Circuit, inaugurated in 2004, is an important venue for Formula 1 and MotoGP events. Recently, the circuit underwent renovation work with Mapei playing a leading role. Mapecoat TNS Race Track was applied, improving the run-off areas and kerbs with Sadu-inspired colours. These interventions ensured high protection and a remarkable aesthetic impact, preparing it for high-level competitions such as the Qatar Grand Prix and the Qatar 1,812 KM.
Inaugurated in 2004, the Lusail International Circuit is one of the leading Formula 1 and MotoGP circuits in the Middle East. Its geographical position makes it truly unique: located in the desert, not far from Doha, it makes spectators able to enjoy a unique combination of a characteristic landscape after admiring the modernity of the capital of Qatar. The circuit is 5,419 m long with 16 medium and high-speed turns and a long straight of more than 1 km in length, characteristics that make racing at Lusail a really exciting challenge for riders and drivers from the various categories. The circuit is also renowned for its perfect lighting, which allows races to also take place at night: in 2008 Lusail was the first circuit in the world to host a MotoGP race during the night.
Apart from MotoGP and Formula 1, the circuit also hosts a wide variety of sports events, and not only motorsports, making full use of the versatility and excellence of the various structures.
Last autumn, from 29th to 1st December 2024, the Lusail International Circuit hosted the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, a race on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar and one of the most expected of the season. The event was put back by one month with respect to previous years in order to both reduce the effect the high temperatures have on the drivers and to carry out various works to upgrade and improve the circuit.
At the end of February 2025 the Lusail circuit hosts the start of the FIA World Endurance Championship 2025 by featuring the Qatar 1812 KM race.This competition, which lasts 10 hours, is a spectacular, high-speed endurance race thanks to the participation of 14 constructors, 19 Hypercars, 18 LMGT3 and champions of the calibre of Valentino Rossi, Kevin Magnussen and the women’s team Iron Dames.
Thanks to its wide range of colours, Mapecoat TNS Race Track made it possible to create surfaces in different colours inspired by Sadu, a traditional handicraft technique practised in the regions of the Middle East. Photo credits: Roadgrip Ltd.
New line marking and improved kerbs
For both the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and in preparation for the endurance race Qatar 1812 KM, renovation work was carried out along various parts of the circuit, including new road markings and new coatings for the kerbs and run-off areas.
The coating for the kerbs and run-off areas had to comply with the regulations of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA): firstly, it had to be highly resistant to slip. This is why RoadGrip, one of the most renowned companies at international level when it comes to the application of coatings for sports facilities and circuits, decided to use a solution that had been developed specifically for road markings and to colour concrete and asphalt road surfaces in motorsports circuits: Mapecoat TNS Race Track. Apart from being resistant to slip, this product, homologated by FIA and FIM, is also resistant to abrasion and the effect of chemical agents from the presence of fuel, oil and acids typically found on motorsports circuits.
The coating contractor Roadgrip chose Mapecoat TNS Race Track coating for the run-off areas and kerbs within the Lusail circuit. circuit Photo credits: Roadgrip Ltd.
What is more, thanks to the extensive range of colours available, Mapecoat TNS Race Track enabled surfaces to be created in different colours, with patterns inspired by Sadu, a traditional technique used in various parts of the Middle East, which consists of weaving and embroidering different fabrics. Sadu is characterised by its brightly coloured, intricate, geometric patterns evoking the traditions of Bedouin tribes: these patterns were created over more than 120,000 m2 of surfaces using Mapecoat TNS Race Track. This product also enabled the application phase to be completed quickly thanks to its rapid film-forming properties.
So, an intervention that guaranteed a high aesthetic impact and a high level of protection for the surfaces: excellent preparation for such high-level sports competitions like the Qatar Grand Prix and the Qatar 1.812 KM.
Project information
Lusail International Circuit, Lusail (Qatar)
Period of construction: 2004
Owner: Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF)
Period of Mapei interventions: November 2024; February 2025
Coating contractor: Roadgrip Ltd
Mapei coordinator: Elisa Portigliatti, Mapei SpA
Photo credits: Roadgrip Ltd
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