The work to rebuild the Losail circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix in November is nearly complete, according to FIA Formula 1 race director Michael Masi.
Masi and F1 sporting director Steve Nielsen visited the traditional MotoGP venue this summer, soon after the Hungarian GP, while negotiations to hold a race were still underway.
Despite the fact that the track has an FIA Grade 1 auto racing license and was used for a GP2 Asia event in 2009, Masi’s inspection revealed exactly what needed to be done to make it fit for modern F1 cars.
As previously stated, the only change to the track layout necessary was a new pit entry, while certain kerbs and barriers needed to be updated.
“They’re changing the pitlane entry completely,” said Masi. “So what was the pitlane entry for bikes will change, dramatically. That work is nearly completed.
“It’s a very different ilk in the MotoGP or FIM world. So it’s been trying to adapt in a relatively short period, which is the other part that we need to consider, that we’re not talking about a huge period of time.
“I’ll head there again next weekend, prior to Austin, to have a look, but nearly all the works have been completed.”
Updating a long-established track to meet the demands of bike racing has proven to be a difficult task.
“Obviously the big parts have been safety requirements for bikes when it comes to Tecpro barriers and things like that,” said Masi.
“There’s a number of double kerbs that have been installed. Obviously, the circuit is ostensibly a bike circuit. So apex sausages, so people don’t cut corners on the inside, double kerbs on exits, are the big one from a circuit perspective.
“As well there’s a significant number of barrier upgrades, with regards to Tecpro and tyres around the entire venue. But the pitlane entry’s probably the biggest actual track change, let’s call it.”
The pit garage complex was considered F1-ready.
“There’s more than enough,” said Masi. “I think it’s about 40 garages as a base number. And when we were there, they’d already finished an extra 10, if I recall correctly. So there’s 50 pit lane garages in total. There’s more than enough space.
“Garages, paddock space, all things like that were all fine from the circuit end. I think it’ll be a good little venue for this year.”
New paddock hospitality buildings are being constructed, despite the fact that they are not part of the real FIA inspection.
The uniforms of Formula One racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price:
