Lusail International Circuit Hosts Inaugural Shell Eco-marathon in the Middle East
Lusail International Circuit, Qatar's premier motorsport venue, proudly welcomes Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East, marking a historic moment as the competition makes its Middle Eastern debut. The event, held under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, showcases the region's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable technology in motorsport.
The prestigious competition, running from February 9-12, 2025, brings together over 60 teams from 16 countries, featuring some of the brightest young minds in engineering and sustainable mobility. Local representation is strong, with teams from Qatar University, Texas A&M Qatar, University of Doha for Science and Technology joining Qatar Technical School for Girls in showcasing Qatar's growing expertise in sustainable engineering and innovation.
The latter stands out with an impressive 15-member all-female team united to create their hydrogen fuel cell vehicle "Al-Adham." The team cooperated with engineers from Qatar University who helped them understand more about hydrogen fuel cell machinery. As they embark on their first-ever participation in Shell Eco-marathon, the team's spirit is captured in their motto: "Together we will make the impossible, possible."
“Hosting Shell Eco-marathon at Lusail International Circuit represents a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing sustainable motorsport initiatives,” said Abdulaziz Ali Al Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit. “Our world-class facility provides the perfect platform for these innovative young engineers to test their energy-efficient vehicles and push the boundaries of sustainable transportation.”
Rob Maxwell, Managing Director of Shell Companies in Qatar, shared his enthusiasm: “As we kick off the first-ever Shell Eco-marathon in the Middle East, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our partners who have played a crucial role in making this event a reality. Your support and collaboration have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. To all the student teams, I hope this competition will be a rewarding experience that fuels your passion for innovation and sustainability. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future."
The competition features two vehicle categories - Urban Concept and Prototype - powered by various energy sources including internal combustion engines, battery electric systems, and hydrogen fuel cells.
The four-day event will conclude with an awards ceremony on February 12, 2025, where the winning teams will be recognized for their achievements in various categories, including energy efficiency, technical innovation, and design.