Grand Prix of Qatar 2026 is published!
Photo highlights
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Event review - Grand Prix of Qatar 2025
Qatar is never less than stunning!
This year our small group was joined by our friend and co-founder & architect of the Lusail circuit, Khalid. This added an extra dimension to an already fascinating & unique event!
Early birds hit the desert for a session of dune bashing Wednesday - most survived! Our traditional Wednesday dinner at the Syrian restaurant in the old souk was the perfect way to kick off the Arabic weekend!
We use our traditional hotels here -- the awesome super designer 5* Mondrian Doha, and the uber-friendly 4* Treffen House, situation just a 6 minute walk to the souk and many other downtown attractions. The quality of service in both helps make Qatar a stand-out destination.
One of the greatest things about Qatar is you have the morning off - a leisurely breakfast, use of the health club and facilities, or visits to some amazing museums or shopping malls are all on the cards! With his family at an event for the first time since 2018, Gordon got in visits to the souk, the brilliant Islamic Art Museum, the unique National Library and of course the new Pearl and stunning shopping mall and architecture.
Thursday night we hosted our welcome dinner at the Mondrian. We invited our three sponsored Moto3 riders to join us for opening drinks on the gorgeous rooftop bar. Eddie O'Shea (UK), Cormac Buchanan (NZ) and Ruche Moodley (SA) - all rookies - mingled with guests and shared their experiences of the year and their excitement about hitting the Lusail circuit for the first time
We hope we gave them an 'inside track' with our special guest speaker Khalid, who was co-chair of the national committee that was responsible for the design and construction of the Lusail Circuit. He delivered a fascinating talk about the history of the track and how it was designed - from the ground up as a motorcycle circuit!
He was joined by our two favourite journalists, Manuel Pecino and Simon Patterson. Simon spoke about his upcoming aid mission to Ukraine and highlighted his charity auction of cool items supplied by Dorna.
Friday was our first day at the track. Perfect weather - hot but with a cooling breeze. All our team guests got the opportunity to get out on the service road, accompanied by Khalid who could point out finer points of the circuit design.
Saturday our VIPs experienced the VIP Village for the first time. This is the best VIP in MotoGP. Awesome food, brilliant views; and the only beer and wine available on the circuit!
The sprint race was thrilling: we saw the return of Marquez brothers 1-2 but the additional of Franco Morbidelli on the podium was a welcome change. We got in close to the podium, sprayed with Alex's faux "champagne" (no alcohol of course)
Sunday we saw three stupendous races under the lights. Several of our Moto3 team guests joined the start grid; as did Gresini MotoGP team guests.
In keeping with the super high quality of the event and facilities, we were treated to a spectacular podium fireworks display to close an awesome event!
Most guests joined us for closing drinks at the Mondrian. Everyone raving about the event, and all planning to return -- Qatar is probably the event with the highest proportion of 'repeats' on the calendar!
Hope to see you here - again!
Picture gallery - Grand Prix of Qatar 2025
See our photos of the event on Flickr here
Or check out ALL of our past event galleries here
