[Aditya]

MotoGP - The 2018 Qatar Grand Prix (March 16th - March 18th):

Track Layout

Track Data

Circuit Information:

The Losail International Circuit lies on the outskirts of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. Built in little over a year, the track cost US$ 58 million and required almost 1,000 workers in order to get it ready for the inaugural event - the Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar on the October 2nd, 2004.

The track itself is a flowing layout of 5.4 kilometres, surrounded by artificial grass designed to prevent sand from the neighbouring desert from blowing onto the circuit. The main straight is over a kilometre in length and there is a good mix of medium and high-speed corners, including a couple of quick left-handers which has proved particularly popular with the riders.

In 2008 Qatar celebrated the first night time Grand Prix in history, following the construction of permanent outdoor lighting. The switch to night time racing was a success and has continued to be so, with the Qatar event now established as one of the most spectacular on the MotoGP calendar.

Read more at: http://www.motogp.com/en/event/Qatar#info-track

Images: Losail Circuit Sports Club

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line.

[Omkar]

A new thread for the race weekend!

Originally Posted by Aditya

[center]
In 2008 Qatar celebrated the first night time Grand Prix in history, following the construction of permanent outdoor lighting. The switch to night time racing was a success and has continued to be so, with the Qatar event now established as one of the most spectacular on the MotoGP calendar.

A success indeed. The Qatar GP is easily one of the most exciting races of the season. In the last 4 seasons, every time a new rider has won on this track - Marquez (2014), Rossi (2015), Lorenzo (2016) and Vinales (2017). Having seen all of these races, I am sure this is going to be one hell of a race.

Here's the combined best lap times from the three days of official MotoGP testing in Qatar -

Source - Crash.net

[GTO]

Have been an F1 fan for 2 decades, but am going to start MotoGP as a complete noob from this year. Reason? The on-track action. Just seems like there's a lot more happening than in F1.

Race is at 2130 hours on Sunday.

[SJM1214]

Originally Posted by Omkar

the race weekend!

Originally Posted by GTO

Race is at 2130 hours on Sunday.

Thanks, Omkar and GTO.

Can you guys suggest how/where to see it? Any live streaming link or Amazon Prime or Hotstar or Netflix or something like that? I googled it but didn't get a reliable streaming link.

[Omkar]

Originally Posted by SJM1214

Can you guys suggest how/where to see it? Any live streaming link or Amazon Prime or Hotstar or Netflix or something like that? I googled it but didn't get a reliable streaming link.

It will be broadcast on Sony Ten 1 - starting at 6 (Moto 3). MotoGP later on. Get the add-on package for your DTH.

Free streaming links for BTSports would be rare as they usually get banned after some time. You can check the Sony Liv channel stream - it worked last year, let's hope it does this time around as well.

Another option I tried last year was the Mobdro android app for streaming BTSports. Don't know if it will work now.

If you do miss the race though, try YouTube later on as someone will upload the full race.

[Sheel]

Not taking away anything from 4 wheels, but of late, F1 had become a snooze fest, I had caught myself sleeping some 7-8 years ago on a Sunday afternoon while watching F1 and slowly I stopped watching.

Moto-GP, have watched American, Japanese & Australian races at odd hours. European races have standardized 17:30 hrs.

[ksameer1234]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Not taking away anything from 4 wheels, but of late, F1 had become a snooze fest, I had caught myself sleeping some 7-8 years ago on a Sunday afternoon while watching F1 and slowly I stopped watching.

Same here!! I was an avid fan of F1 around 2011 and would religiously watch races on Sundays in hostel. Even I would fall asleep after initial few laps. F1 races now feel very long and the element of excitement has been taken away by uninspiring racing.

Off topic apart, MotoGP is certainly a treat to watch. With Marquez, there is never a lack of excitement. Hoping to have another amazing season!!

[Amey Kulkarni]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Not taking away anything from 4 wheels, but of late, F1 had become a snooze fest, I had caught myself sleeping some 7-8 years ago on a Sunday afternoon while watching F1 and slowly I stopped watching

+1

Used to watch F1 over MotoGP but the F1 races have become monotonous and mostly predictable; there's no juice left in the races now to follow it.

Whereas, MotoGP is still unpredictable with ups / downs and a different level of aggression.

Moto3, Moto2 although are a level below the grand MotoGP race but still carry that adrenaline for viewers to see and enjoy!

Cheers,
Amey

[five46]

Thank you for the crisp appetizer Aditya.

There's a long silly season 19 yet. But, one of the most awaited contract is inked.

The 46 fever will remain on track till 2020.

Source

[fz_rider]

Once again, the Ducati's are strong at Losail. Dovi leading the charge followed by Petrucci and Lorenzo. In the mix were both Suzuki, completing the top 5 for the day. Marquez looks steady as always. This season is going to be exciting, should live up to the hype. Agree with Rossi, it's the most open season. Like 2016, we may see multiple winners.

[fz_rider]

Mad Mad lap by Zarco, breaking the qualifying record. Simply amazing! Marquez again strong starts second. Top Ducati is a Alma pramac. Petrucci will start 3rd. Fantastic qualifying.

[aravind.anand]

Moto 3 race is on, and good thing - we can stream it through the Sony Liv app.

Zarco made an astonishing debut last year at Qatar, by leading the pack at the start of the race with a satellite bike before unfortunately crashing out. This year he's got the pole position with a record breaking qualifying lap, hope he makes a statement this year

[fz_rider]

What a race ! Game On
The doctor always finds something on Sunday. Raking up the podiums. Dovi lived up to the expectation, P1 for him starting from second row, losing positions at the start, yet he does it. Marquez gave everything, absolutely everything, just falling short. Zarco effortlessly led 18 laps, and just lost the grip. Vinales dropped to 14th and ended up 6th, he was on the charge.
This season will be nerve wracking.

[GTO]

What an awesome race . The top 5 positions were like musical chairs - they kept on changing! Rossi drove like a master, until he challenged for 1st and then dropped down. I thought Zarco would easily take the win because - for all the action behind him - he kept it clean in position 1. Well, I realised that a MotoGP race isn't over till it's over. Dovizioso was charging through the field and that Ducati sure had some straightline horsepower! And that last lap attempt by Marquez led to a nail-biting finish. I think there are some similarities between Marquez & Alonso, in how well-calculated their moves are.

Was great to see the pre-race show (F1 has done away with 'Race Day). Also nice to see the pitbabes . Was disappointed with the engine / exhaust note though. All in all, 45 minutes of an adrenaline rush. Going to watch both series (MotoGP & F1) this year.

Was pleasantly surprised by the number of desis in the audience! Even spotted the Indian flag:


Absolutely loved this video they showed before the race:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkPkmhJ-p5Q