Doha, November 04 (QNA) - Doha is set to open a new chapter in its sporting success by hosting the Qatar Airways Grand Prix, the 20th round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, the 77th edition of the motorcycle racing series. 
The event takes on added significance this year as the world title race approaches its conclusion, supported by a talented pool of Qatari professionals who play a key role in the success of motorsports.
Doha is preparing to host this year's round from November 6 to 8, following a revision to the championship calendar. 
The event marks Qatar's 23rd appearance on the international calendar since joining in 2004, and the 20th time the races have been held under floodlights.
The 2026 Qatar Airways Grand Prix will continue a legacy that began in 2004, offering more than two decades of thrilling world-class racing, where speed, skill and strategy come together under the spectacular floodlights. 
The starting grid will feature 22 riders, including world champions and emerging stars, offering fans an opportunity to experience the excitement of MotoGP up close.
Lusail International Circuit's history dates back to 2004, when it officially opened and hosted the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, marking Qatar's entry into the world of speed and motorsports as a host of a round of the MotoGP World Championship.
A major turning point came in 2008, when the Qatar Grand Prix introduced a pioneering night-racing format, becoming one of the championship's most prominent and attractive rounds.
Lusail remains the only circuit on the championship calendar to hold all its races at night under floodlights. Its advanced design and distinctive lighting system combine to create a unique sporting and visual experience for MotoGP fans.
Following its redevelopment, Lusail International Circuit retained its renowned 5.380-kilometer (3.343-mile) layout and became one of the world's leading circuits. 
It brought technological innovation to the sport and transformed motorsports culture from daytime to nighttime racing. 
It also prompted changes to international federation regulations, adapting championship rules to accommodate night races. 
This achievement reflects Qatar's pioneering role in circuit racing, supported by the commitment of officials to providing the resources needed for continued success, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar is among Asia's leading hosts of Grand Prix races, while Lusail International Circuit is one of the continent's premier venues, alongside renowned circuits such as Motegi in Japan, Sepang in Malaysia and Buriram in Thailand. 
The Qatar Grand Prix was first held in 2004, with Spain's Sete Gibernau claiming the inaugural title. Spanish rider Marc Marquez won the most recent main race in Qatar in 2025, returning to the top of the podium at Lusail for the first time since 2014. 
Qatar is among eight Asian countries hosting Grand Prix races across the individual classes, alongside Indonesia, Turkiye, Japan, Thailand, China, Malaysia and India. 
Lusail International Circuit is also one of 13 circuits that have hosted Grand Prix races in Asia to date. A total of 68 races have been held at Lusail International Circuit over the past 22 years: 22 in the premier MotoGP class, 17 in Moto2, 15 in Moto3, eight in the 125cc class and six in the 250cc class. 
Australian Casey Stoner and Italian Valentino Rossi share the record for the most Qatar Grand Prix titles, with four wins each. Spain's Jorge Lorenzo follows with three, while compatriots Maverick Vinales and Marc Marquez, along with Italy's Andrea Dovizioso, have each won twice.
Only four riders have secured back-to-back victories in Qatar: Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo and Dovizioso.
Lorenzo is the most successful rider overall at Lusail, with six victories across different classes: three in MotoGP (2012, 2013 and 2016), two in the 250cc class (2006 and 2007), and one in the 125cc class (2004). 
Stoner follows with five Lusail victories, including four in MotoGP and one in the 250cc class. Rossi has four wins, all in the premier class.
Yamaha is the most successful manufacturer at Lusail in MotoGP, with 10 victories shared among four riders: Rossi (2005, 2006, 2010 and 2015), Lorenzo (2012, 2013 and 2016), Vinales (2017 and 2021/1), and Fabio Quartararo (2021/2). Ducati has secured nine MotoGP victories through Casey Stoner (2007, 2008 and 2009), Andrea Dovizioso (2018 and 2019), Enea Bastianini (2022), Fabio Di Giannantonio (2023), Francesco Bagnaia (2024) and Marc Marquez (2025). 
Honda has recorded three victories with Sete Gibernau (2004), Stoner (2011) and Marquez (2014).
Aprilia's best results were fourth place, achieved by Aleix Espargaro in 2022 and Vinales in 2023. 
In Moto2, Kalex is Lusail's most successful manufacturer, with 12 victories in 2011, 2013-2022 and 2025. 
Honda leads the Moto3 manufacturers' standings at the circuit with seven wins, recorded in 2015-2019, 2022 and 2023. (QNA)