Repsol YPF
Ruta
Losail: Asphalt, floodlights and sand
The artificial lighting for the track used for the Qatar GP is the identifying feature at one of the youngest and most emblematic circuits in the Motorcycling World Championship calendar. Constructed in record time in the middle of the desert, Losail boasts a modern and complete circuit.
The first stone of the Losail circuit was laid in December 2003, and it made its debut the following year. Backing for a night time race came four years later. The organisers had to make a special effort and needed a large investment so as to guarantee that the project was feasible: Losail has floodlights that are equivalent to 70 football stadiums or 1 300 basketball courts.
The total length of the Losail track is 5 380 metres and it has 16 corners. The home straight measures 1 068 metres and speeds of 330km/h are reached. This is a very technical track that requires a very precise set up on the bikes. Speed and agility are the two most important factors here.
As it is constructed in the middle of the desert it has another peculiar feature: the wind can move sand onto the track, something that reduces the grip on the asphalt, in spite of the fact that the organisers planting a perímeter made of artificial grass. Therefore the weather plays a big part in the outcome of the race here.
Circuit details
Name: International circuit of Losail
Date of construction: 2004
Length: 5 380 metres
Width: 12 metres
Home straight: 1 068 metres
Number of corners: 16 (6 left-handers and 10 right-handers)
4/6/2010
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