Doha, September 25 (QNA) - Qatar's Lusail International Circuit will host the second round of the 2027 MotoGP World Championship, according to the calendar released by championship rights holder Dorna and approved by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar will take place from March 12 to 14, 2027, with the main race scheduled as the championship's only night race.
The 2027 season will feature 22 rounds across 19 countries, beginning in Thailand from March 5 to 7 and concluding in Valencia, Spain, from November 26 to 28.
Lusail has hosted MotoGP since 2004 and made history in 2008 by staging the first night race in the championship. The circuit is also among the venues to host all three major international motorsport championships: MotoGP, Formula 1 and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The circuit will again host the Tissot Sprint in 2027. The shorter race is held on Saturday and covers half the distance of the main Grand Prix, with a separate points system and podium ceremony.
The 5.38km Lusail circuit features 16 corners and a long main straight. Its extensive lighting system allows races to be held under floodlights, giving the venue its distinctive night-racing setting.
The Qatar round will also form part of a new era for MotoGP, with the championship moving to 850cc motorcycles in 2027. The change is expected to make the Qatar race an important early-season test of the new technical regulations.
The 2027 calendar includes several other changes. Argentina returns with a round at Buenos Aires, replacing Hungary's Balaton Park, while Australia's race moves from Phillip Island to Adelaide.
After opening in Thailand, the championship heads directly to Qatar before moving to the Americas. Brazil will host the third round on April 4, followed by Argentina on April 11. The series then travels to Austin on April 25.
Europe will host 12 consecutive rounds between May and October, beginning at Jerez in Spain on May 9 and ending at Portimao in Portugal on October 3.
The championship then returns to Asia and Australia for rounds in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Adelaide before the season finale at Valencia on November 28. (QNA)