Tribune News Network
Doha
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM), one of the world’s largest Olympic Museums, presented The Race is On, an exhibition commemorating Qatar’s motorsport history and marking a new era for Formula 1 in the country.
This thrilling display is presented in collaboration with key partners, including the UK’s Silverstone Museum and the future Qatar Auto Museum, which bring unparalleled expertise in the realms of motorsport history.
The exhibition is on view until April 1, 2025 at the QOSM’s E8 Exhibition Gallery, timed to coincide with the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix from November 29 until December 1 and the 2025 Qatar International Rally on February 1 and 2, 2025.
The exhibition was unveiled by Chairperson of Qatar Museums Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, in the presence of Minister of Transport HE Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums Mohammed Saad Al-Rumaihi, President of QOSM Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla Al Thani, alongside Director of QOSM Abdulla Yousuf Al Mulla and the curatorial team.
This opening marks a significant milestone in Qatar’s motorsport legacy, from the first Qatar Motor Rally in 1975 to last year’s successful Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit. The exhibition provides an exciting opportunity to explore Qatar’s unique racing journey as both an international host and leading competitor, and celebrates the country’s growing influence in the world of international motorsports.
The Race is On features a unique range of historic items, including racing suits worn by Formula 1 and rally champions, trophies, tyres from past races, an intricate digital model of the Lusail Circuit, original and exact replica helmets, and more.
Amongst the highlight objects is Brazilian F1 driver, Ayrton Senna’s helmet. It was designed for him by the renowned helmet designer, Sid Mosca, and the former wore it during his very first Formula 1 season in 1984. While preparing the helmet for display in The Race is On exhibition, one of the conservators at 3-2-1 QOSM discovered a piece of paper folded in the lining; a handwritten prayer in Portuguese by the racer’s mother.
Commenting on this unique discovery, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla Al Thani, President of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, said: “At 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, we are proud to present incredible artefacts from the world of sports, as well as stories that are truly inspiring and powerful. The prayer note found in Senna’s helmet is a unique expression of a mother’s love, also a symbol of what it means to be human in the face of extreme pressure, and what it takes to be an athlete at the highest level. Sports are not only about physical strength, but also about emotional fortitude, and teaching valuable life lessons.”
Visitors will be able to admire pieces sourced by 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Silverstone Museum in the UK and local and international lenders, while learning about the pioneering drivers and the stories behind them.
