MotoGP is hot item for track organizers and after Qatar whose night race now traditionally opens the championship season, Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE and largest of the seven Emirates Gulf Coast countries is also vying to host a MotoGP round.

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management who wants to make Abu Dhabi a motorsport capital and runs the Yas Marina Circuit where they already have international events like Formula 1, GP2 Asia Series, Australian V8 Supercars, FIA World GT1, an International Drag Racing Festival and would like to add premier motorcycle racing to their calendar and have already talked with Dorna, as confirmed by AMM CEO Richard Cregan:

“MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta was here last year and the track designer Hermann Tilke will be coming up with a proposal in the next couple of weeks. But it will take time. We are looking at a time-frame of maybe two to three years when Abu Dhabi will be able to hold a MotoGP round.”

Ultra modern circuit, but will they able to fill the stands like they do at Mugello or Jerez de la Frontera?

Source | khaleejtimes.com via bikeracing.it

....

0 comments

Here’s a look at the fascinating desert track of Doha, Qatar, by night. After some controversy regarding the nighttime racing, it seems the first race of MotoGP is now essential to opening the season in style. The Losail circuit has, however, been a casualty in the Superbike, apparently being removed from next year’s calendar, after five years of hosting a round. What do you think of the gallery by night?

Send your funny, bizarre or surprising pics to us and we’ll post them, with your name. We’d love to share what you guys find in the world of motorcycling! Send to: pics@twowheelsblog.com.

Losail circuit by night

....

0 comments

At the desert circuit of Losail in Qatar the first evening practice of the MotoGP night test that was interrupted by a rare rainstorm and red flagged. The heavy rain drove the riders off track and back into the shelter of their garages.

Almost half the MotoGP field had not left their garages before the rain arrived, with Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa, Loris Capirossi not featuring in the early running.

A group of rider representatives, including Stoner and Rossi, convened with the circuit officials to discuss the state of the track not only because of the rain but also because of the sand that had blown onto the surface beforehand.

Continue reading: MotoGP Day 1 Qatar - Times and Quotes

....

0 comments