Formula 1 has locked in Qatar to host the vacant grand prix spot on the 2021 calendar, as part of a triple-header with Mexico and Brazil in November.
Qatar's Losail International Circuit, a long-time MotoGP venue, will host its first-ever Formula 1 grand prix on the weekend of November 19-21, as the world championship reaches its 20th of 22 rounds.
Qatar has also signed a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host a grand prix every year from 2023 to 2032. The world championship won't go to the Middle East country in 2022 due to a clash with the FIFA World Cup, which is set to be held in Qatar next year.
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The world championship will return to Qatar in 2023 at a venue yet to be confirmed, with a new circuit now in its planning stages.
"There was a strong will from Qatar to be helpful to F1 and, in the course of this process, the vision for a longer partnership was discussed and agreed for 10 years," a Formula 1 statement reads.
"The step from the gesture to be helpful to F1 in 2021 to a long-term strategy was short and simple, and the vision for F1 to be the showcase for Qatar after the FIFA World Cup in 2022 was the driving force behind this long-term agreement.
"As part of the longer-term deal, discussions will continue regarding the location for the grand prix from 2023, with further details to be provided at a later time."
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The deal sees Qatar become the fourth Middle East host of the Formula 1 world championship, joining Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain hosted this year's season-opener after Australia's COVID-19 crisis forced the Melbourne Grand Prix to be cancelled a second year in succession.
Formula 1's growing presence in the Middle East is an indication of the governing body's increasing reliance on the region for funding, as well as Qatar's push to capitalise on the exposure generated by the looming FIFA World Cup.
"We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a grand prix," Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said.
"The huge effort from all the teams, F1 and the FIA has made it possible to deliver a 22-race calendar, something that is very impressive during a challenging year and something we can all be proud of."
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