Lusail: Technology and Tradition on the Track

Inaugurated in 2004, the Lusail International Circuit is one of the leading Formula 1 and MotoGP circuits in the Middle East. Its geographical position makes it truly unique: Located in the desert, not far from Doha, it makes spectators able to enjoy a unique combination of a characteristic landscape after admiring the modernity of the capital of Qatar. The circuit is 5,419 m long with 16 medium- and high-speed turns and a long straight of more than 1 km in length, characteristics that make racing at Lusail an exciting challenge for riders and drivers from the various categories. The circuit is also renowned for its perfect lighting, which allows races to also take place at night: In 2008 Lusail was the first circuit in the world to host a MotoGP race during the night.

Apart from MotoGP and Formula 1, the circuit also hosts a wide variety of sports events, and not only motorsports, making full use of the versatility and excellence of the various structures.

Last year, from December 1 to 29, 2024, the Lusail International Circuit hosted the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, a race on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar and one of the most expected of the season. The event, compared to the previous year, has been moved by about one month to both reduce the effect the high temperatures have on the drivers and to carry out various works to upgrade and improve the circuit.

At the end of February 2025, the Lusail circuit hosted the start of the FIA World Endurance Championship 2025 by featuring the Qatar 1812 km race. This competition, which lasts 10 hours, was a spectacular, high-speed endurance race thanks to the participation of 14 constructors, 19 Hypercars, 18 Le Mans Grand Touring 3 (LMGT3) and champions of the caliber of Valentino Rossi, Kevin Magnussen, and the women’s team, Iron Dames.

New road marking and improved curbs

For both the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and in preparation for the endurance race Qatar 1812 km, renovation work was carried out along various parts of the circuit, including new road markings and new coatings for the curbs and run-off areas.

The coating for the curbs and run-off areas had to comply with the regulations of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA): Firstly, it had to be highly resistant to slip. This is why Roadgrip, one of the most renowned companies at international level when it comes to the application of coatings for sports facilities and circuits, decided to use a solution that MAPEI had developed specifically for road markings and to color concrete and asphalt road surfaces in motorsports circuits: Mapecoat TNS Race Track. Apart from being resistant to slip, this product, homologated by FIA and FIM, is also resistant to abrasion and the effect of chemical agents from the presence of fuel, oil and acids typically found on motorsports circuits.

What is more, thanks to the extensive range of colors available, Mapecoat TNS Race Track enabled surfaces to be created in different colors, with patterns inspired by Sadu, a traditional technique used in various parts of the Middle East, which consists of weaving and embroidering different fabrics. Sadu is characterized by its brightly colored, intricate, geometric patterns evoking the traditions of Bedouin tribes: These patterns were created over more than 120,000 m2 of surfaces using Mapecoat TNS Race Track. This product also enabled the application phase to be completed quickly thanks to its rapid film-forming properties.

This was an intervention that guaranteed a high aesthetic impact and a high level of protection for the surfaces, providing excellent preparation for such high-level sports competitions like the Qatar Grand Prix and the Qatar 1812 km.

Consistency and quality for top-level circuits

Q: What types of applications do you deal with most frequently? In what kind of environments and in which countries?

A: Roadgrip works globally in motorsport, airfields, ports, highways, car parks and retail. We apply specialist paints, resins, asphalt preservatives and many other specialized surface solutions in all corners of the world.

Q: In which circuits have you worked recently?

A: We are currently working in Qatar at the Lusail International Circuit and in Saudi Arabia on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. This year we have been in Mexico and will follow up with Australian F1 GP in Melbourne, Miami F1 GP in the United States, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Las Vegas, back to Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Silverstone and many more!

Q: What were the main challenges of the work in the Lusail circuit in December 2024 and February 2025?

A: We have been doing this work for some time now and have learned how to overcome the main challenges. Weather is always a factor – too windy in Qatar can challenge us! Having a good supply chain partner always helps – for logistics, paint quality and consistency.

Q: What are the advantages of using the colored, acrylic resin-based Mapecoat TNS Race Track coating proposed by MAPEI?

A: MAPEI’s Mapecoat TNS range offers very good consistency and “sprayability” for our specialized equipment. The paint is consistent across all the ranges of colors and has rapid drying properties which helps on a busy race circuit.

Q: What were the strong points of the collaboration with MAPEI?

A: We have been working with MAPEI for 12 months or so. The team reacts very quickly to our requests – which can change at the last minute depending on venue, circuit run-off design, sponsor branding, etc. – and never lets us down.