Planning to watch a live MotoGP race in Doha Qatar ?
This detailed guide will help plan your MotoGP trip to Doha – from race tickets, transport to racetrack, visa requirements and other useful information.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and the information provided is based on my personal trip to MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar on March 4 to 6, 2022.
Held in the month of March, The MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar is held at the Losail International Circuit or Lusail International Circuit in Doha and is the only night race in the entire calendar making it visual-treat to watch under the lights.
How early to start planning ?
Sometime in November-December of the previous year, MotoGP release the schedule of venues and dates for the upcoming races of the next year.
The window to buy race tickets open usually in late January or early February for the Qatar GP in March.
Types of MotoGP tickets and Cost:
For the Qatar GP, one can choose from the below different viewing areas:
General/Main Grandstand: The Main Grandstand at the Lusail International Circuit is located on the Main Straight, facing the pit boxes.
- Best place to see the starting line, podium ceremony
- Cost of tickets: QAR 700 per person for a 3-day pass
- Flexibility to choose from 1-day, 2-days, 3-days pass
- Includes Free transport in air-conditioned bus from Lusail Metro station to the racetrack on all days
- The ticket will get you access and contains detailed schedule of free-practice, warm-up, qualifying and race for all 3 days across Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP and Honda Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup
MotoGP VIP Village: The MotoGP VIP village is located in the pit building, above the pit garages, inside the paddock area.
- Best place to view the starting line, Turn 1, as well as the podium ceremony after the race.
- Ticket includes paddock tour, pit-lane walk, 5-star hospitality
- Cost of tickets: QAR 5500 per person for a 2-day pass
Note: Every race track have different types of zones/viewing areas, hence configuration of tickets and prices vary.
Where to buy MotoGP tickets?
While there are multiple websites to sell race tickets, consider the following on where to buy:
- MotoGP Website:
- Tickets are sold on the official website of MotoGP via a ticketing partner (Platinum Group)
- Tickets at the cheapest price (no agent commission or extra charges)
- Ticketing support (via email, chat, phone) is brilliant
- Only International bank-issued credit/debit cards are accepted (International cards issued by Indian bank entities don’t work)
- Other websites:
- Price is higher, but more payment options and custom packages that include stay in Doha, transfers, food etc
Visa requirements for Indian tourists:
Visa is issued on-arrival for Indian passport holders upon showing return air tickets, MotoGP tickets and hotel reservation.
- With the pandemic, Qatar needs one to pre-register/ upload documents such as vaccine certificate, passport, air tickets online on Etheraz website – the approved Etheraz document needs to presented at the Immigration
- One has to download the Etheraz app on his/her mobile which indicates the status of vaccination and COVID-19 negative report
- For detailed and latest information, please visit Ministry of Public Health Qatar
- When I visited, there was a mandatory 2-day hotel quarantine required for Indians (this regulation keeps changing – so visit the public health website for latest travel rules)
Reaching the Lusail Circuit from Doha city:
The Lusail circuit is located away from the city of Doha on the Al-Khor expressway.
Transport options to the racetrack include:
- Paid cabs from Uber or Karwa
- Take the Metro on the red-line to Lusail QNB station at QAR 2
- Free shuttles/ bus from Lusail Metro station to the racetrack organised by LCSC( included on Grandstand ticket)
- Exit towards Al Kheesa from the metro to board the free/paid bus to the racetrack
Useful Information:
- The MotoGP race is a loud affair – especially for kids, so carry ear plugs for kids and adults
- Being a night race, expect cold winds after sunset, carry a wind-cheater or warm jackets
- Carry Binoculars and Sunglasses
- Food and water is available and is slightly expensive, so feel free to pack Food from your favourite restaurant and water to carry from the outside
- Experience beyond the race: just outside the Grandstand is Fan-zone entertainment area with concerts, food stalls, aircraft acrobatic display on race day, Shops selling official merchandise, riding gear, souvenirs etc and various activities for kids
- MotoGP is kids-friendly: they have numerous free activities in the Fan-zone for kids – painting, video games etc
- Meet the Riders: meet MotoGP/Moto2/Moto3 riders in the Fanzone, outside grandstand on Friday-only (look out for the announcement for the meet and greet)
- Other Facilities include
- Clean and separate toilets for men and women
- Prayer room
- Feeding room for babies
- Wheelchair access to Grandstand and Toilets is available
- Carry charging cables to Charging your phone, Go-Pro – feel free to request the shops to hook up a charging point
- No additional fees to carry DSLR camera, Motion cameras like Go-Pro to the racetrack
The hysteria of fans, hustle of the paddock and energy of riders elevate the live watching experience with a befitting end to the MotoGP night race with mesmerising fireworks and a beautiful ballet of lights!!
Until next race then..
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