Domenicali: "We will make sure the promises are fulfilled"

Last week the big news came out that Formula 1 will have a Grand Prix in Qatar for the first time in the history of the sport. In November the drivers will race there as a replacement for the Australian Grand Prix, but from 2023 there will also be a race every year at the Losail International Circuit. Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has told us in an interview with SkySports about his expectations and the future of the circuit.

""It's another great achievement for all of us. Despite covid and the difficult situations, we wanted to show that we are totally committed to getting this season fantastic from a sporting perspective. To have the right venues and the right quantity of races," said the Italian.

Domenicali is particularly pleased that the Grand Prix organisers were immediately ready to talk about the possibilities. "We have to thank the Qatar promoters because as soon as there was a chance to have that slot, they were immediately available for discussions. That's great so we can have a 22 race calendar, not something we take for granted."

There will be changes for 2023

The 56-year-old boss was also able to say a bit about the future of the track. In doing so, he indicated that there won't be that much change to the times at which it will be driven, but the track will be different.

"Absolutely it will stay a night race. We will start at 6pm local time this year. We will not have a GP in 2022, they are fully committed to the world cup. And then 23, we are working on another plan to see what is the best venue on which we can really build the event afterwards."

Uncomfortable going to Saudi Arabia

The Formula One boss also had an answer ready for fans who are uncomfortable going to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. "My response is simple. We are talking about sport, the platform that has the objective to create fun and unify people. Sport will help, to enhance the positivity, the right values in each country we go to. The spotlight on F1 is so big, you can't hide. We are making sure the promises are delivered. We cannot hide anything. We should take that as a positive for a push for a better world."