Losail Circuit Qatar

The magnificent Losail International Circuit is located on the outskirts of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. The 5.40km long track combines a long start and finish straight of 970 yards with a good blend of medium and high-speed corners, including a couple of quick left-handers. The Losail circuit is situated in the desert and this means that the climatic condition is a major issue. Track temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees. A further complication is the circuit's location in the middle of the desert, causing sand to be deposited on the racing surface and making it treacherously slippery - despite the best efforts of the organisers, who planted acres of artificial grass to combat the problem.

Run in strong gusting winds with air temperatures hovering around 28ºC and track temperatures hitting 41ºC, the Qatar MotoGP began with rookie Ausssie Colin Stoner on pole position while last year’s champion Valentino Rossi gave chase from 6th spot on the grid. V. Rossi overtook Stoner on the 10th lap and then went on to chase down Nicky Hayden. Rossi squeezed by the American with two laps to go to ride off with his 54th GP victory and first since last year's Australian MotoGP.

To get to the circuit from Doha International Airport, drive through Al-Matar Street. Take a right at Toyota Tower then keep going through C-Ring Road, keep driving along Cornishe Road all the way until reaching the Sheraton Hotel, take a left towards City Centre, drive to AL-Wahda St. and take a Right to Istiqlal St. Keep straight then take left and head to Doha Golf Club. Take a right on the roundabout and head north to Al-Khor Highway till you get to Losail International Racetrack.