(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Losail International Circuit is most likely to host next season's Eni World Superbike Championship (WSBK), which returned to Doha this year after a four-year absence - said WSBK Executive Director Javier Alonso yesterday.
Addressing a joint press conference at the Losail International Circuit here in the presence of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President and FIA Vice-president Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, Alonso said: "The idea is to end the race here (in Qatar) next season. Nasser and me, both of us agree on that. Qatar needs the blessing (permission) of the government. The blessing from the government will take some time."
Elaborating on QMMF's efforts to secure the WBSK next season, Alonso added: "It is a pleasure to be here. Qatar and QMMF hospitality is always great. We have been working together for a long time and it has been tough to bring the WBSK back to Losail. But QMMF has been putting in a lot of work over the years. We are working hard to be able to secure a date for the race here in the future and I am sure finally we'll find a way to continue in the future."
The QMMF President said the WSBK races will return to Qatar next season.
"I promise to bring back World Superbike and we are pushing hard for that because we want to host both the MotoGP and we also want Superbike to be here in Qatar again. World Superbike is very famous now with very
well-known riders. Also WSBK is not new for us as we hosted this event in the past for five years and I am sure I will come with good news."
The QMMF official said it was a wonderful feeling to welcome back the SuperBike family at the Losail Circuit.
"This is an amazing moment for us, to see the WSBK back to Qatar after we hosted in 2009 for last time. For sure, this championship is adding big value for us with lot of riders and manufactures taking part," Al Attiyah said.
Alonso said that is has been a fantastic feeling for the riders to race under floodlights.
"The lights at the circuit are a dream of one person (Nasser). It is a wonderful and amazing feeling for riders and they are enjoying it and when the riders are enjoying the show is much better," said Alonso.
"The location is amazing and the hospitality of Nasser bin Al Attiyah is great as always," added the WSBK official.
For the first time in WSBK history, the event was held under floodlights thanks to the impressive lighting system that powers the entire venue, allowing riders to race under conditions that are similar to daylight.
Besides this year's season-ending race, which is today, the Gala Awards ceremony will also take place in Qatar tomorrow.
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