Ians

Doha: Qatar is set to sign a contract to host a Formula 1 race within the next two years.

International Automobile Federation (FIA) vice-president Nasser bin Khalifa al-Attiyah, who is also the president of Qatar's motorsport federation, said Sunday that the race will be held in 2016 or 2017, reports Xinhua.

"We are about to sign contracts to organise a Formula 1 race. We have completed all the steps and there are only a few details before the official signature," he said.

Al-Attiyah added that Qatar would offer the choice of two circuits on which to race -- either in Losail which has already hosted Moto GP and World Superbike events or a specially-designed street course through Doha.

Qatar is ploughing billions of dollars into sporting events and has won the right to host the 2022 World Cup and was also recently awarded the 2019 World Athletics Championships.

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