Qatar is still pushing hard for a formula one race.
That is despite the fact F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is for now honouring an agreement he made with Bahrain to keep that race exclusive in the Middle East.
"We asked them (Bahrain) about Abu Dhabi and they agreed but they said a third race is probably not the way to go," said the 84-year-old recently.
But the chief of Qatar’s Motor and Motorcycle Federation says plans are on track for an inaugural race as early as next year.
"The entire project is ready," Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah told Doha Stadium Plus. "But some things didn’t work out and we need to show a little more patience.
"All we need is a few more meetings with Bernie Ecclestone. We need a little more time, but we have the solution," he added.
Indeed, Qatar’s hopes would get a huge boost if its reported joint bid with the Miami Dolphins owner to buy into F1’s commercial rights is successful.