499Ps in Qatar – Nielsen describes the Lusail track

The Prologue weekend gets underway in Qatar, featuring four test sessions over two days. At the Lusail track, which hosts the opening round of the FIA WEC 2025, the Ferrari – AF Corse team is back in the spotlight with the number 50 and 51 499P cars, shared by Fuoco-Molina-Nielsen and Pier Guidi-Calado-Giovinazzi, respectively. 

For the second time running, the Lusail International Circuit is the venue for the World Endurance Championship season-opener. In a dedicated video, Danish driver Nicklas Nielsen – winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2024 – analyses the demanding circuit located near Doha. 

The track. The Lusail International Circuit is situated north of Doha, the capital of Qatar. It measures 5.419 kilometres and includes 16 turns. “The Lusail track is very impressive,” explains Nicklas Nielsen, “and to set a good lap time, you need to be very smooth. Compared to other circuits, it is characterised by high grip and an exceptionally flat layout with no elevation changes, so it is essential to find the best reference points for braking.” The Danish continues: “The second and third sectors are the most interesting from a driver’s perspective because they feature a combination of alternating medium and medium-high-speed turns.” In particular, “In the third sector, tyre management is crucial, and track limits must be carefully observed, especially in this section of the circuit, as they play a significant role in Qatar.”

The history. The track was inaugurated in 2004. Lusail’s history, which is closely tied to two-wheel racing, has expanded in recent years with the addition of more high-profile motorsport events. Among these, since 2024, the 1812 km of Qatar has served as the FIA World Endurance Championship season-opening round. This 10-hour race is largely contested after sunset, with the cars racing beneath the floodlights.

The programme. The Prologue is the first opportunity for all teams to be on track for the collective test sessions that mark the start of the season. The first two sessions are scheduled for Friday, 21 February, from 1 to 4 p.m. and, at night, from 6 to 10 p.m. On Saturday, 22 February, two more sessions will take place: from 12 to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 9 p.m.

Next week, the cars will be back on the track on Wednesday, 26 February, for the first two free practice sessions, from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4.50 to 6.20 p.m. On Thursday, 27 February, following Free Practice 3 from 12 to 1 p.m., Qualifying will take place from 5.40 p.m., followed by the Hyperpole for the Hypercar class at 6 p.m. The 1812 km of Qatar will start on Friday, 28 February, at 2 p.m. and conclude ten hours later (local times).