Qatar to make history with first night MotoGP race
THE 2008 Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar on March 9, 2008 will be the first motorcycling event in history to be held in the night, it was announced in Misano, Italy, yesterday.
Preparations to host the event will involve the biggest lighting project in the world for any sporting event, guaranteeing complete visibility in the race, officials told a press conference during the first day’s practice for the Italian MotoGP yesterday.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of Dorna, which holds worldwide MotoGP promotional rights, Musco Lighting’s president Joe Crookham and vice-president Jeff Rogers and Qatar Motor and Motorcycling Federation (QMMF) chief Nasser bin Khalifa al-Attiyah attended the press conference.
Making the announcement, Ezpeleta remarked: “Changing the Qatar race to a night time schedule allows for a better synchronisation with European television schedules, where the race can be made available in the primetime Sunday slot. This is obviously a big boost for the broadcasters, and a landmark moment for MotoGP.”
Calling it a “major project” for Qatar, al-Attiyah said: “We are proud to be able to say we will hold the first Grand Prix event under lights. Whilst this is great for the country’s image as a whole, it also means our track can be used in the hot summer months and we hope this opens up more opportunities for other motorsports events in the future.”
Musco President Crookham described the complex system as, “The biggest lighting project in the world for any sporting event.”
Musco specialises in the design and manufacture of sports-lighting systems.
Crookham said: “The system will incorporate over 3,700 separate light sources across every section of the circuit, which will eliminate shadowing on the track and in the run-off areas. The quality of the light is the same as any premium lighting system at any other major sporting venue.
“Based on our experience in other motorsports events, the riders will be able to see as well as during daytime and may even come to prefer it.”
A night race at the Losail International Circuit was first investigated at last year’s Grand Prix, when MotoGP Safety Commission members Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi and Kenny Roberts Jr rode the track on street bikes.
The Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar will open the 2008 MotoGP World Championship on March 9.
school kids were paid to watch the games. all the asian games workers had to follow the asian games dress code whereas the school kids were asked to wear whatever they like.
how can school kids provide assistance when they havent been assigned any duties? they were sent to fill the empty and vacant seats.
school kids were paid to help in the game they were like paid staff who helped in making the Game of the life a success
I was a volunter n i know how hard all worked to put Qatar in the world map n i am proud of what i could give back to Qatar
If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.
He has won quite a lot now Its the turn of either Valentino Rossi or some other individual to outperform
As far as the night race is concerned lets see what happens? I think it crap Qatars GDP is booming like anything.....
Isnt it:?
the more you can waste. They think with all these sporting events they can attract more tourism. Looks as if they have forgotten about the Asian Games extravaganza.
In the Asian Games held in Qatar they had to pay school pupils 10 riyals per day and provide them with transportation to come and watch the games so that they can fill the empty seats.
Wonder when will they learn. Hope they learn before the money goes
Hey Hey,
I have a couple of friends working at Losail International Circuit.
I guess we all will have to wait and watch.. Qatar having its own Track and that too the first track in whole wide world that will host MotoGP under the Night Sky with ofcourse Track Lights..
IMI - The Screen Behind The Mirror
"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."
"The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend."
Where did you get that info from?
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2000 QL Points!!!
Yay! Way to go Ray!
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www.e4u.name.qa
Dont worry guys the work has started full swing and materials will be mobilized at Losail by 10th September. It will be a non-stop 24/7 days of work which includes, excavation, planning and son on..
You will have to wait and watch.. This is truely gonna be great show..
IMI - The Screen Behind The Mirror
"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."
"The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend."
Today's Gulf Times says Marco Melandri took deep offense that none of the drivers were even told about first ever night race, let alone consult.
I suppose his stand is quite right, considering the fact that organizers and Dorna officials won't be driving like mad at 300 KPH in floodlights, but the riders will!
He also said that all the riders are looking forward to test at the floodlit track sometime in October this year. Wonder if those 3,700 lights would be put up at the Losail circuit in such a short time!
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1900 QL Points!!!
Yay! Way to go Ray!
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www.e4u.name.qa
it looks like the race will be held late in the night at around 11 p.m.
WaRider – "He is a good rider" … on a fantastic bike!
Why would you want Casey Stoner to loose?
"We cannot control the negative atmosphere of the world, but we can control the atmosphere of our minds"
How much will be the outlay? I dont want to miss this one for sure....
Hope this time Casey Stoner loses...... After a streak of victories.....
Whats going to be the outcome? More revenues & tourism for Qatar and that too will the title sponsors get the credit? Are there going to be more promotions or rewards? The last times had only the Dirt bike ....... Can the track be hired ?