Qatar's Losail powers up for Formula 1's premiere

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Formula 1 will enjoy two historic firsts in the coming weeks, racing in Qatar next weekend and then setting up shop for the very first time in Saudi Arabia in early December.

Qatar's Losail International Circuit owes its presence on the sport's calendar this season to the cancellations that befell other events in countries that remain under Covid restrictions.

But the Arab peninsular has played its cards well with Liberty Media, securing a 10-year contract with F1's commercial rights holder that will hopefully prove as lucrative for Losail as it will for F1.

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali is predicting "a lot of action" in the heat of Qatar's desert night next Sunday, when everyone on the grid - including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton - will be absolute beginners at Losail.

Bring it on!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.