Qatar is set to make its debut in one of the most prestigious endurance races in motorsport history—the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the event approaching in June, excitement is building as Team Qatar reveals its race car and driver lineup for this iconic competition.
Qatar’s First Participation at Le Mans
Team Qatar has officially announced that they will compete in the LMGT3 category with a Mercedes-AMG, thanks to a collaboration between the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the Italian racing team Iron Lynx. This moment marks a significant milestone for Qatar, as it will be the first time the nation participates in the esteemed endurance race, held since 1923 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, a challenging 13.6-kilometre track. The car will bear the race number 62, symbolizing Qatar’s entry into a hallowed motorsport tradition.
“Participating in this race is a historic milestone for both the QMMF and for me personally as the first Qatari driver to take part in the world endurance championship,” said Abdulla Al Khelaifi, the team’s lead driver. Al Khelaifi, 35, has an impressive racing background, having clinched the 2025 24H Series Overall championship and performed admirably at various international circuits. His unique journey as a pioneer for Qatar’s motorsports is something he relishes deeply.
The Challenge of Endurance Racing
First organized in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is renowned as the ultimate test of endurance racing. Teams are up against a series of challenges, encompassing day and night driving conditions, fatigue management, and unpredictable weather. “Preparation begins long before race week,” noted German driver Julian Hanses. He emphasized the importance of physical conditioning, stating that rigorous training is crucial when racing in extreme temperatures inside the car.
French driver Giuliano Alesi, the son of former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi, echoed these sentiments, revealing that endurance racing is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. “There’s a lot that goes into training, hydration, and nutrition,” Alesi explained. He pointed out that driving at night requires a different mindset and level of mental preparedness, indicating the complexities involved in competing at such a high level.
A Vision for Qatar’s Motorsport Future
The Le Mans project represents years of planning and commitment from the QMMF, led by President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai. This initiative transcends a single race—it’s about establishing a robust motorsport framework that fosters local talent. Over the past three years, the federation has focused on nurturing young Qatari drivers, equipping them with the necessary skills for international competitions. “For us, a small country like Qatar with big ambitions, participating in Le Mans is just the beginning. We’re hopeful for success,” said Al Mannai.
As Team Qatar gears up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13 and 14, they’ll be sharing the spotlight with some of the most recognizable names in endurance racing. This historic entry not only showcases Qatar’s growing involvement in motorsports but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of racers from the region. The journey to Le Mans is just the start of what many hope will be an illustrious legacy in the motorsport arena for Qatar.