MotoGP 2009 Qatar Grand Prix

Its only worth 30QR to watch, Losail is without a shadow of a doubt the WORST international motorsporting event on the calander. 16 turns and only one public grandstand on the main straight trying to get a glimpse of a rider at 300kmh. Add to this no commentary, unreliable TV coverage, lack of programs, no mid race entertainment the whole event is a shambles and QMMF should be removed from the race calender. Pay a visit to any European GP and you will see the difference.... and yes they are more expensive but you get what you pay for.

It has the potential to be one of the best events in the world... its just as usual, Qatar cant be bothered to go the extra mile because they think no one will care.

/-a-t-/nidge, that's why more people need to get off of their arses and actually go to the events.

They're not going to make a fantastic parade hoping that people will come.

People need to go, set an atmosphere and show interest, THEN it booms.
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Mr. Q's Blog - A Qatari's view on Qatar.

/-a-t-/pitstop, I personally think it's because there isn't anything built near by.

If there were more social areas it would encourage people to go to the track.

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Mr. Q's Blog - A Qatari's view on Qatar.

I dont care I'm really looking forward to attending the MotoGp at Losail. Yaaaaiiii!!!

I dream of a better tomorrow where Chickens can cross the Road without having their motives questioned - Unknown

That isn't true. Maybe the Federation isn't giving it its 100%, but they are trying their best.

I wouldn't miss the MotoGP - ever!

And amnesia, yes the Federation should think about doing something in the public area of the grand stand. Maybe you can e-mail them your thoughts. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

Well its like most of the people have mixed opinions on Losail International Circuit. Did you know? That Losail International Circuit is considered to be one of the Best Race Tracks in the World. (As quoted by SBK - FG Sport, and DORNA - MotoGP) Our media center has been winning the best media center award from FG sport for the past 4 years now. Okie you guys talk about the Grand Stand being Empty, in europe sometimes its a dream to see the race soo closely, talk about meeting the riders if you have to have priviledge pass and so on.

Losail is still a new track which started off in 2004, unlike the circuits around the world esp the european ones. The riders just love the track, no wonder we always booked for various Teams Testing Machines & Tires. If you want us to show and to succeed show your interest, come and supporty Qatar and support MotoGP. For us having the first Night Race in the History of MotoGP was no joke, the team puts up a great effort. Anyway i agree there are lots of things that need to be worked at. But consider this fact we are the only one in GCC to host MotoGP & SBK and each year DORNA is happy to renew the contract.. Fill up the Grandstand.. and soon you shall see more viewing areas in the turns..

I know its still sad that Qatar still does not have so much of passion for Motor Sports like in Europe.. but guys we are getting there..

GO KART track soon coming up, by the way !!

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FG sport and Dorna will no doubt quote Losail as being one of the best in the world, Qatar has spent a fortune on the place. Not many venues in the world could afford to invest the money we have in night lighting just for the hell of it. I remember the original concept was to bring the SBK and Moto GP inline with Europe for the TV timings... then why the hell run it at 11pm at night.

As for testing Losail can be hired for around $12000 per day including staff and medical support which makes it cheap as hell. Donnington Park in the UK would want 5 or 6 times that amount. The other reason teams test here is there are no international press based here. If a new bike were tested at a euro venue it would be leaked to the biking press the same day

As a rider and having competed at a number of national and international circuits, I find Losail an amazing track, its one of the safest in the world and was designed that way, however its a very difficult track to learn having virtually no visible braking markers or turn in points. Another huge problem the teams face here is the track temperatures, we are seeing 10 degrees or more difference in track temperature between practice and race times once the sun goes down. This caused huge problems for the teams and tyre manufactures especially during the endurance race.

The Grandstand was full at the last Moto GP so its surely time to open up more of the track and provide shuttle buses to get people around to other vantage points without having to spend $1000 dollars on a VIP ticket.

Our venue is also the only event on the calendar where Champagne is not allowed on the podium even though most of the riders don't drink it anyway. The pit lane girls were also told to wear leggings this year so no flesh on show!!! Pay a visit to the official Moto GP and SBK site and you will see lots of pit lane girls featured, they are part of the ambiance that makes the whole event special. Unfortunately you wont see any of the Qatar girls in leggings. Thats not meant to be a sexist remark, im sure the girls out there love to see Rossi and Co in their leathers just as much as guys like to see the grid girls.

Please keep the responses coming... I am enjoying this thread :-)

Nidge

Qatar is not the most tourist-friendly place on earth to visit for a GP. Perhaps if it was easier to get a visit visa, they might see the stands fill up just a bit more.

Just compare the ease of visiting Bahrain for the Formula 1 Grand Prix - the ministry sets up a special website where visitors can apply for a special race class of visa. Everything is geared up and open for tourism - and they flock here in droves to see our F1 GP.

That is the professional approach to hosting events of that sort.

That is the difference, and the main reason why the Losail Motor GP will never rival the success of neighbouring events as long as Qatar does not open it's doors to tourism. (See thread elsewhere about 2-year wait for ex-residents revisiting - for instance!!)

Think of this - China has just disappeared from the list of venues. Unless Qatar is prepared to do something about its appalling attendance rate at the Motor GP - a similar fate awaits Losail.

I was a viewer last year for the GP in Qatar, this is just a bad one ... just only the main grand stand on the straight , there is no other things special on this track and on the event...

What do u have available in Qatar that can attract tourists?
I have been here for a couple of months and noticed that the major reason pple come to Qatar is for work.
I really think, you should first promote this event among the residents, and get their attention.
Also, Qatar sometimes builds things not bc they have been planned for, or as a major investment, simply bc they saw it somewhere and liked it.
We have the money, let us do it, (we want it better then any other similar "thing" existing there).
Qatar wants to open itself to the world, but I believe they are still hesitant, afraid of accepting the change and loosing the grip.

Losail is a good circuit and all but once you see motogp/wsbk races in places like France, england and Australia, you just develop a expectations and sadly losail is not even close to those.

I will be in Valencia for the World Superbikes early April too so yeah I may end up with high expectations after going to that. I don't really want to go to Losail if the viewing is crap if you know what I mean.

Negative responses upset me. I think Losail Circuit hosts one of the best races! It is quiet and relaxing. Motorcycle racing is new to the region, so - we need positive vibes.

Coming from Abu Dhabi might be worth it and cheap places to stay, maybe if you call a travel agency in Qatar - think they can help. If you want, I might be able to pass on some numbers to you in PM.

Plus, you cannot compare any race to Valencia. It is the championship finale! Duh - it is the best!

Yalla Sallam from Rome :D