Rossi Happy With Qatar Set-Up
Added on Friday, February 29th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Losail will host the world's biggest floodlit sports event
Former MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi believes that the competition’s organisers have made a “great job” with the opening race of the new season.
The opening race of the new MotoGP season will take place at night in Qatar although the Italian, who took part in testing today, believes that the visibility on the track is very similar to what he would expect from a day-time race.
“There was a lot of curiosity about this night test and I have to say that I am quite satisfied,” Rossi said.
“I think they have made a great job with the lights and you can ride quite normally, as if it’s day.”
Around 3,500 lighting units will be installed at the circuit, with MotoGP bosses claiming that the race will be the biggest ever sporting event to be staged under floodlights.
The Italian added: “The visibility is quite good so there is no danger for us. It’s really no more difficult than riding in the day.
“Maybe it would be better to move this night race to a period when the temperature is a little bit higher, however, because at the moment it is very cold here.”
Current world champion Casey Stoner set the fastest pace on the opening day of testing but believes racing at night will bring a fresh challenge.
“It’s definitely different to what we’re used to,” said the Australian. “It’s not better or worse - it’s just different.
“The most interesting thing is that with lower visibility, at least with regard to the imperfections on the track, you have to have more confidence than your instinct tells you to have. It’s not a bad start though.”
