Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) formalised a landmark five-year Cooperation Agreement, marking a significant step forward in the shared ambition of both organisations to elevate motorsport on the international stage. The agreement, signed on June 18, 2026 in Türkiye, lays the groundwork for structured knowledge transfer, joint development programmes, and ongoing collaboration across sporting, technical, safety, and sustainability matters.
Both QMMF, which serves as the legal and operational entity of Lusail International Circuit (LIC) in Qatar, and TOSFED, the sole recognised national governing body for motorsport in Türkiye recognised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), bring decades of experience in hosting world-class motorsport events and developing national talent. The agreement signals a commitment to pooling that expertise in a sustained and structured manner.
A framework built on shared ambition
Central to the five-year agreement is a dedicated focus on knowledge sharing, encompassing professional expertise in race operations, safety standards, and sustainable practices. The collaboration also prioritizes the development of drivers and officials alongside the coordination of international events. To facilitate these objectives and ensure the partnership yields concrete results for both organizations, a joint committee will be formed to establish a comprehensive agenda and strategic timeline.
The agreement also opens the door to collaboration on major international events. Both Qatar and Türkiye have established themselves as premier destinations for elite motorsport championships. Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit serves as a premier venue for global championships including Formula 1, MotoGP, and the Qatar 1812 KM -FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Beyond these global competitions, QMMF maintains a steadfast commitment to the regional motorsport ecosystem by investing in championships like the Qatar International Baja, the Qatar International Rally, the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup, and many other local championships. Similarly, Türkiye has returned to the Formula 1 calendar, with TOSFED playing a pivotal role in that milestone. Although the agreement encompasses all areas of motorsport development, the shared experience of both federations in hosting pinnacle events serves as a natural foundation for their future cooperation.
Voices from the partnership
On the occasion of the signing of the partnership agreement, the motorsport leadership from both countries commented on the occasion.
"This agreement reflects the kind of partnership that moves our sport forward. Qatar and Türkiye share a deep commitment to motorsport excellence, and by combining our knowledge and experience, we can create lasting value, not just for our own federations, but for the broader motorsport community. We look forward to building something meaningful with TOSFED over the years ahead," said Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President, QMMF and Lusail International Circuit.
"Qatar is a country that successfully hosts major global events such as Formula 1, MotoGP, and the World Endurance Championship (WEC)," Üçlertoprağı stated. "We aim to establish joint official training and exchange programs tailored for these types of high-profile organizations. Additionally, we look forward to developing joint events where Turkish and Qatari athletes can compete together, alongside launching impactful social responsibility projects," said Eren Üçlertoprağı, President, TOSFED.
"Lusail International Circuit has always stood for more than a world-class race weekend. It stands for a vision of what motorsport can achieve when the right people and the right institutions work together. This partnership with TOSFED is an extension of that vision, and we are proud to be building these bridges at an international level," said Abdulaziz Ali Al Mohannadi, Chief Executive Officer, Lusail International Circuit.
"The cooperation between QMMF and TOSFED opens up real and practical opportunities for both organisations to grow. Through joint programmes, shared expertise, and a genuine exchange of ideas, we can develop motorsport in ways that benefit athletes, officials, and fans alike. This is the kind of collaboration that creates a lasting legacy," said Amro Al Hamad, Executive Director, QMMF.
