Silverstone Museum Drives Global Racing Legacy at QOSM Exhibition

5th Nov 2024

The Race is On celebrates Qatar’s vibrant motorsport heritage and global racing influence, featuring iconic objects from F1 history.

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM), one of the world’s largest Olympic Museums, presents 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 1 April 2025 at the QOSM’s E8 Exhibition Gallery, timed to coincide with the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix from 29 November until 1 December and the 2025 Qatar International Rally on 1-2 February 2025.

The exhibition was unveiled by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, in the presence of HE Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport, Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Rumaihi, Chief Executive officer of Qatar Museums, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla Al Thani, President of QOSM, alongside Abdulla Yousuf Al Mulla Director of QOSM 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. Whilst 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.

“We are thrilled to open The Race is On today to mark a significant milestone in our motorsport legacy”, said Abdulla Yousuf Al Mulla, Director of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. “Here at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, we thrive to present exhibitions that reflect the passion, innovation, and speed of the sport industry that is deeply rooted in our local culture. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate Qatar’s ever-expanding role in international sports in general, and motorsports in particular.”

Phil Lawrie, Chief Executive Officer at Silverstone Museum said: "Located at the home of British motor racing and the birthplace of the Formula 1 World Championship, Silverstone Museum is proud to partner with 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum for this exciting motorsport exhibition.

“The Race is On perfectly aligns with our mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of motorsport, and we are thrilled to contribute our expertise and unique artefacts to showcase the remarkable journey of Qatar's motorsport evolution. This partnership highlights the global reach of motorsport, and through the exhibition we’re able to share stories of sporting drama and technical innovation with new audiences in Qatar."

The exhibition is curated by Susan Hayward, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, and led by the Museum’s Director, Abdulla Al Mulla, and the 3-2-1 team.

Susan Patricia Hayward, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, added, “This exhibition highlights milestone moments in history of F1, rally and Qatar’s motorsports heritage. But at the same time, it explores what it takes to become a champion driver, sharing the intriguing stories of the brave men and women behind the wheel, from the pioneering grand prix driver Anna Maria Peduzzi from the 1930s to Lewis Hamilton today. It also provides insights into why a small country like Qatar has produced two of the world’s leading rally drivers, Saeed Al Hajri and Nasser Al Attiyah.”

The Race is On is presented as part of the Fall/Winter 2024-2025 Season of Qatar Creates - a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Qatar’s creative industries and promoting cultural activities within the country.

Discover the full cultural offering in Doha this season through Qatar Creates’ impressive lineup of exhibitions, events and experiences at https://events.qacreates.com/

QOSM is closed on Tuesdays. For exhibition details, ticket bookings, and visiting hours, please visit:

https://321qosm.org.qa/en/calendar/race-is-on/