Constructed in just under a year by 1,000 workers at a cost of US$58 million, the circuit opened in 2004. Its inaugural event was the Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix in the same year, won by Sete Gibernau. The circuit was primarily designed for motorcycle racing, known for its smooth track.
In 2007, the circuit added permanent outdoor lighting for night races, installed by Musco Lighting. At the time, this was the largest permanent venue sports lighting project in the world. This infrastructure allowed the circuit to host the first night race in MotoGP history during the 2008 Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix in March 2008. A GP2 Asia Series nighttime race also took place in February 2009. The World Superbike Championship (World SBK) visited Lusail from 2005–2009 and again from 2014–2019, and the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) visited from 2015–2017.
The circuit hosted the inaugural Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in 2021. Before the second edition of the Grand Prix, the circuit underwent extensive renovations and facility upgrades, completed in 2023. These upgrades included modifications to curbs, the pit lane entrance, and safety barriers. The main grandstands were enhanced, increasing seating capacity from 8,000 to 52,000 spectators. The project also introduced the world's longest Formula 1 pit lane building, measuring 402.1m with 50 pit boxes, and a new state-of-the-art paddock. New track configurations were also introduced to enhance versatility.
In 2024, the circuit marked its 20th anniversary by hosting back-to-back global events. It became the host of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season opener, the Qatar 1812 km, which also included the championship's "Prologue" pre-season testing sessions. This event was named in honor of Qatar National Day.
The Lusail International Circuit is one of only two circuits worldwide to host MotoGP, Formula 1, and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in a single calendar year. It hosts the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and the Qatar motorcycle Grand Prix. The circuit is locked in as a WEC host until at least 2029, with the Qatar 1812 km as a signature season-opener. A long-term deal secures the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail through 2032.
Beyond international motorsport, the circuit also offers a professional-grade karting track and engages the local community through public track days, mixed training sessions, and grassroots motorsport programs.
As of February 2026, the official lap record for the current circuit layout is 1:22.384, set by Lando Norris driving for McLaren during the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. The fastest qualifying lap recorded at the venue is 1:19.387, set by Oscar Piastri driving for McLaren in the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix.
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