Formula 1 returns to Qatar after it first appeared on the World Championship calendar in 2021. The event sees Oscar looking to build on impressive recent results in Singapore and Japan. With both a sprint race and grand prix in store, here’s the OP lowdown…

• Oscar has visited the Losail International Circuit back in May 2022 to test there in old F1 machinery
• The 5.419km circuit is comprised of 16 corners with 10 right-handers and six left-handers
• Located circa 30km north of Doha, it was built for Qatar’s inaugural Moto GP in 2004
• 3600 bulbs across 1000 structures illuminate the track which hosted Moto GP’s first-ever night race in 2008
• The main straight is just over one kilometre long and provides good overtaking opportunities into Turn 1
• Saturday’s sprint race is the fourth of the season after Azerbaijan, Austria and Belgium - COTA and Brazil are still to come

On the Losail International Circuit…

“It’s a fast and flowing track with lots of medium and high-speed corners and some nice corner combinations for us to take on.

Conditions are usually warm with quite a bit of dust and wind so those will add another challenge for us across the weekend.

I’ve been in the simulator during the break since Japan to get a feel for it and am now looking forward to getting out in the car on Friday.”

On the momentum following Japan and Singapore…

“It has been a very positive few weeks. Gaining 10 places during the race in Singapore, signing my new contract until 2026 and achieving my first F1 podium in Suzuka were fantastic and it was great to head back to MTC and spend some time with everyone who is working so hard to make moments like that happen.

We are taking a lot of positivity into the last run of six races and hope we can continue to score good points.”

On Saturday’s sprint race…

“I’ve got good memories from the last sprint race in Belgium and taking my first F1 top three, so I am looking forward to Saturday.

It makes Friday even more important now with reduced practice sessions, so it will be key to adapt quickly.”