Formula 1 is reportedly considering Qatar to fill the vacant calendar spot left by the cancelled Australian Grand Prix.
The Gulf state has never hosted an F1 race but has been part of the MotoGP schedule since 2004, with the event at Losail International Circuit being held at night since 2008.
Previous attempts to also welcome F1 have failed, but this year could mark the perfect opportunity for Qatar to make at least a one-off appearance, at least according to Auto Motor und Sport.
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This is because the flyaway races across October/November remain in flux as Japan continues to battle a high amount of Covid-19 cases, while Brazil is also uncertain.
According to the German publication, the fate of the race at Suzuka will be decided before August 10 with the success of the upcoming spectator-less Olympics and continued Covid trends, the key factors.
Should Japan not go ahead, a double-header in Austin along with the Mexico City GP is seen as most likely.
As for Sao Paulo, the will is said to be very high to put on the event at Interlagos but the issue is how to avoid the Covid-19 restrictions put in place by most European countries.
This is where the Middle East comes in with either a second race in Bahrain or a first in Qatar a week after Brazil considered a potential option.
Logistically, it also makes more sense as the final two races are the inaugural Saudi Arabian GP on December 5 followed by the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi on December 12.
Whether it happens is all still very much in the air, but two new tracks, at least for F1, and a revamped Yas Marina would certainly be an interesting way to round out 2021.
