Qatar to pay $78 million a year for Grand Prix

Qatar, the small Arab country, looks set to break F1's record for the highest-paying grand prix host. F1 business journalist Christian Sylt, who is close to the sport's chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, cited 'sources' in reporting that Qatar looks set to pay about $78 million a year beginning with its first race no later than 2017.

With either an event at the floodlit MotoGP circuit at Losail or possibly a street race, Qatar would join F1's other two Middle Eastern races on the calendar, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. "We are looking at all possibilities there," said Ecclestone. "Qatar is not signed but they are ready to go."

Writing in the Independent newspaper, Sylt said the current highest-paying race host in formula one is Abu Dhabi with its reportedly $72.5 million price-tag. And the British journalist told us: "(Qatar's deal) would give F1 more races in the Middle East than in North America!" (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule
show sidebar