The inaugural FIA World Touring Car Championship night race event and the first to take place in the Middle East is underway at the Losail International Circuit near Doha. Here’s a summary of what’s been happening during WTCC DHL Race of Qatar so far.

What they did on track?

The WTCC drivers have completed 90 minutes of running on the Losail Circuit through testing, Free Practice 1 and 2. Find out who has been fastest here.

What they did in the water?

Four WTCC racers went for a mini cruise on a dhow, a traditional Arabian boat, around Doha Bay on Wednesday night. Click here for high-resolution images.

What have football pitches got to do with it?

The lighted area at the Losail International Circuit provided by 450 million lumens of light is equal to approximately 70 FIFA-standard football pitches. For more interesting track facts follow this link.

What they said?

Find out what leading world champion José María López had to say about Citroën’s decision not to retain Sébastien Loeb’s services for next season’s WTCC, what local hero Nasser Al-Attiyah makes of the challenge of switching from rallying to racing, why LADA’Rob Huff can’t wait to add to his record number of WTCC starts and what Yokohama Drivers’ Trophy contenders Mehdi Bennani and Norbert Michelisz really think of each other. Download the full pre-event press conference transcript here.

What’s next?

This is what’s coming up during a busy Friday: 

13h30-23h00: Media Accreditation Centre open
13h30-until the last journalist leaves: Media Centre open
15h00-15h20: WTCC Qualifying Q1
15h25-15h35: WTCC Qualifying Q2
15h40 (pit lane opens): WTCC Qualifying Q3
16h10 (approx.): WTCC post-qualifying press conference (Media Centre)
19h30-20h30: Pit Walk
21h30: WTCC Race 1 (12 laps)
22h05 (approx.): WTCC podium Race 1
22h20: OSCARO.com WTCC repair time starts
22h40: WTCC Race 2 (12 laps)
23h15 (approx.): WTCC podium Race 2
23h30 (approx.): WTCC post-race press conference (Media Centre)

Timings provisional and subject to change. Additional activities may be arranged.