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F1Qatar
Some useful information for the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Qatar
Circuit Transfer Information
Mövenpick Doha
SATURDAY
Depart hotel 13:35
Depart circuit 22:00
SUNDAY
Depart hotel 15:00
Depart circuit 23:00
Please wait in your hotel reception for your departure pick up, & please make your way back to the coach park at the end of each evening
Element City Center Doha
SATURDAY
Depart hotel 13:50
Depart circuit 22:00
SUNDAY
Depart hotel 15:15
Depart circuit 23:00
Please wait in your hotel reception for your departure pick up, & please make your way back to the coach park at the end of each evening
W Doha
SATURDAY
Depart hotel 13:55
Depart circuit 22:00
SUNDAY
Depart hotel 15:20
Depart circuit 23:00
Please wait in your hotel reception for your departure pick up, & please make your way back to the coach park at the end of each evening
Intercontinental Doha The City
SATURDAY
Depart hotel 14:05
Depart circuit 22:00
SUNDAY
Depart hotel 15:30
Depart circuit 23:00
Please wait in your hotel reception for your departure pick up, & please make your way back to the coach park at the end of each evening
Intercontinental Doha Beach & Spa
SATURDAY
Depart hotel 14:15
Depart circuit 22:00
SUNDAY
Depart hotel 15:40
Depart circuit 23:00
Please wait in your hotel reception for your departure pick up, & please make your way back to the coach park at the end of each evening
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you’re ready and waiting in reception at least 5 minutes before the stated times, as the coach will leave promptly so we don’t hold up other customers
Do make sure you leave enough time to get from your grandstand to the coach parking area at the end of each day
Our MST team member Craig will be on hand over the weekend. He will also be accompanying the coach transfers, should you need anything. You can also contact Craig/us via the emergency telephone number at the foot of this information guide, should you need to
You don’t require a voucher for your circuit transfers
IMPORTANT: If you are not at the coach pick up point by the stated departure time and you have not made us aware you’re not taking the coach transfer (either in person to MST Craig, or via the emergency telephone number at the foot of this information guide), we will not contact you, and we will assume you will make your own way, which will be at your own cost
Circuit Parking
On arrival, please take note of the bus location as this will be the same departure point in the evening – you may wish to drop a map pin on your phone so you have the exact location. Coach parking at the circuit is located at Parking P9
Do make sure you leave enough time to get from your grandstand to the coach parking area at the end of each day, as the coach will leave promptly
Parking P9
Friday Schedule
16:30 – 17:30
FORMULA 1 First Practice Session
20:00 – 21:00
FORMULA 1 Qualifying Session
Saturday Schedule
16:00 – 16:44
FORMULA 1 Sprint Shootout
20:30 – 21:00
FORMULA 1 SPRINT (19 Laps or 60 Mins)
Sunday Schedule
17:50 – 18:20
FORMULA 1 Drivers’ Parade
19:46 – 19:48
National Anthem
20:00 – 22:00
FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX (57 Laps or 120 Mins)
Please note that all times are local times and are subject to change without notification by the FIA, Liberty Media and Lusail International Circuit. For up-to-date times, please click here
IMPORTANT: If you are not at the coach pick up point by the stated departure time and you have not made us aware you’re not taking the coach transfer (either in person to MST Craig, or via the emergency telephone number at the foot of this information guide), we will not contact you, and we will assume you will make your own way, which will be at your own cost
IF THERE IS A DELAY THAT RESULTS IN A TIME CHANGE FOR THE STARTING TIME OF THE SPRINT RACE ON SATURDAY: the coach will leave the circuit 30 minutes after the FORMULA 1 SPRINT finishes (i.e. 30 minutes after the winner has crossed the line). If there is any extended or rolling delay without confirmed restart times that may affect the coach departure time, we will keep you updated via Craig and the email and/or phone number we have on your booking
IF THERE IS A DELAY THAT RESULTS IN A TIME CHANGE FOR THE THE STARTING TIME OF THE GRAND PRIX ON SUNDAY: the coach will leave the circuit 45 minutes after the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX finishes (i.e. 45 minutes after the winner has crossed the line). If there is any extended or rolling delay without confirmed restart times that may affect the coach departure time, we will keep you updated via Craig and the email and/or phone number we have on your booking
At The Circuit
Security staff may conduct bag checks at the gates and for safety reasons, tin cans, glass bottles or any other potentially dangerous objects can not be brought into the circuit. Tents, parasols and umbrellas are not permitted as they may hinder the view of other fans. The full list of prohibited items will be confirmed in due course, and we will update this guide once we have received further information from the circuit.
Do bring sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof (just in case… we may be in the desert, but when it rains, it rains!), do wear comfortable footwear and we recommend bringing warm layers for the evening as it can feel much cooler once the sun has set.
Motor sport events are noisy. We recommend you bring hearing protection during the event to reduce the risk of hearing damage.
We always recommend bringing tissues or wipes and hand sanitiser to all race circuits.
Visitors are not permitted to make/create/store/record or transmit any sound recording or audio visual footage of the event for any commercial purposes. Personal electronic devices such as mobile phones, cameras or hand held personal communication devices are allowed as long as the images are for private, personal and non commercial use.
As with all large events, do keep your belongings safe; keep purses and wallets hidden and bags closed, and don’t leave them unattended at any time.
Food and non-alcoholic drinks are available in the F1 Fan Zone inside the circuit, with a good range of local and international cuisine.
The F1 Fan Zone is also where you will find the merchandise stalls and entertainment.
Getting to the Circuit Under Your Own Steam
Should you wish to head to the circuit on Friday, or travel at times other than our MST circuit transfers on Saturday and/or Sunday, then here is the information on getting to and from Lusail International Circuit.
BY METRO + SHUTTLE: The Doha Metro system is relatively new, and is quick, cheap and efficient. A standard single journey costs 2QR (approximately £0.43), or 10QR if you want to travel in Gold Club class (approximately £2.17). A Day Pass is good value at 6QR for standard class (approximately £1.30), and 30QR for Gold Club class (approximately £6.52).
The Metro system is not a 24 hour system – it runs at the following times:
- Sunday-Wednesday 05:30 – 23:59
- Thursday 05:30 – 01:00
- Friday 14:00 – 01:00
- Saturday 06:00 – 23:59
You can plan your Metro journey using the below link, and selecting Lusail Metro Station as your final stop:
There will be frequent shuttle buses running between Lusail Metro Station and Lusail International Circuit on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Please note the expected shuttle travel time from Lusail Metro Station to Lusail International Circuit may take up to 40 minutes so please plan your trip accordingly, and remember that on Fridays, the Metro only operates from 14:00.
BY TAXI: There will be a designated taxi drop off point at the circuit. A taxi from the West Bay area of Doha to Lusail International Circuit will take approximately 25 minutes (with no traffic) and costs approximately 35-45 Qatari Riyals (£7.60-£9.80).
All taxis and limousines are run by the state company, Mowasalat, and have a fixed rate. KARWA Taxis are bright turquoise in colour and are metered (meters start at 4 QAR) – call 800-TAXI (8294) to book, or download the free KARWA Taxi App. Doha Limousines are also state-run and you can book both taxis and limos by calling (+974) 4458 8888. Tips are not expected, but a gesture is very welcome!
Do avoid unlicensed taxis at all costs.
BY UBER: There will be a designated Uber drop off point at the circuit. We expect that Uber rides may be more expensive than local taxis over the race weekend.
Our Hints & Tips
Men and women should dress modestly as a courtesy to both Qataris and Muslims. Tops should cover the shoulders and upper arms, and skirts or shorts should fall to or below the knee. Whilst the attitude to dress is quite relaxed, visitors should dress appropriately for their surroundings (for example, beachwear is fine around the pool, but not in public places such as shopping malls). It is well worth carrying a jacket or shawl, or warmer layers, as air conditioning can be fiercely cold, and the temperatures do drop considerably when the sun goes down.
Qatari currency is the riyal (QAR) – there are approximately 4.59 QAR to the pound.
ATMs can be found in many locations, and most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards.
Plug sockets are square three-pin plugs as we use in the UK.
Data can be expensive overseas; to overcome this, we have been using Airalo for some time. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards), so you no longer need to buy a SIM on arrival. With an eSIM from Airalo, you can download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions and be connected anywhere in the world the second you land.
Use the code “MST10” for a discount on all eSims purchased via Airalo. Click here for more information but please do check your device compatibility before you purchase an eSim.
For travelling by taxi and Metro, please see the information in the ‘Getting to the Circuit Under Your Own Steam’ section above.
Alcohol is expensive in Qatar, with pints of lager costing around £15.00, so it’s well worth visiting during Happy Hour if you can! Most 5* hotels in Doha that are part of an international chain have a bar that serves alcohol – it is worth bringing your passport with you as most require photo ID for entry, and not all accept a driving licence.
A twilight race means time to explore Doha whilst not at the track. Here are some of our favourite places and things to do.
CORNICHE: Stroll along the Corniche – it’s a long palm-fringed waterfront promenade which stretches for 7km along Doha Bay, all the way to the impressive Museum of Islamic Art, which is worth a visit. Head to the old harbour for a cruise on a traditional dhow and for great views towards the West Bay area.
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART: The MIA, as it’s known, is located on an island at the end of the Corniche, near to the traditional dhow harbour. The building is designed to resemble a woman’s face in a veil. It is well worth a visit, not only for the architecture but also to see one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world. Click here for visitor guidelines and tickets
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR: See the truly breathtaking architecture of the National Museum of Qatar, inspired by desert rose crystal formations, and learn about the history of the country. Even if you don’t head inside to the exhibitions, the building itself is an absolute must-see whilst in Doha. Click here for visitor guidelines and tickets
SOUQ WAQIF: No trip to Doha is complete without a visit to the Souq Waqif – it is a labyrinth of alleyways, shops and restaurants, with the neighbouring Gold Souq and Falcon Souq, waiting to be explored. The atmosphere on an evening is magical.
UMBRELLA PARK: A great place for photos! Two tunnels covered in flowers and lined on the inside with colourful umbrellas. They can be found opposite the Qatar Post office, next to the Corniche Metro station.
GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW QATAR: Qatar will host the prestigious Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) for the first time ever. More than a traditional car show, this will be an exciting festival celebrating car culture and excellence. It will take place at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center from 07-14 October. Get ready to witness 32 of the world’s most renowned automotive brands showcasing a ground-breaking array of new cars, making it the pinnacle of motor shows in the Middle East and beyond. Tickets are currently available free of charge however, you can only order 1 ticket at a time (yes, really!). For more details, click here
MST UK Office Number
+44 207 183 2022
MST Emergency Number
+44 207 183 8960
MST offers 24-hour assistance on our MST emergency number +44 207 183 8960 for emergency situations and to help resolve any general issues while you are travelling. During office opening hours it will be answered by our MST office team; outside of opening hours it will divert to Nicola & Craig. Please leave a message, clearly stating your name, reference number and contact number and we will call you back.
Our office is open from Monday to Thursday 09:00-17:30, and on Fridays 09:00-16:00. On Saturdays, Sundays & UK Bank Holidays we are CLOSED. Our office number is not available out of hours.
Please note that any messages left on our main office number when we are closed will not be picked up until we reopen on Monday morning, and the same applies to any emails sent. For this reason we recommend you save our MST emergency number +44 207 183 8960 to your phone.
If you have any issues, please call our MST Emergency Number straight away. Please note that, should you fail to notify us of an issue at the time, in order to allow us to take remedial action, we will not reimburse any expenses incurred.
