Seems like Singapore may have started a trend… now every circuit and series hopes to host its own night race, and in GP2 Asia this year the privilege goes to Qatar.
Losail International Circuit, located just outside the country’s capital Doha, is the newest venue to appear on the series itinerary, where it is slated to replace the expected second event in Dubai.
The circuit is just under 5.5km long with a main straight of just over a kilometre and an artificial grass border to keep sand off the track. It is commonly used for motorcycle racing and has hosted a Grand Prix Masters race that was won by Nigel Mansell.
It is equipped with permanent outdoor lighting especially for night racing and, in March last year, the first ever MotoGP night race was held there. However, this will be its first single-seater night race and it is due to take place on the weekend of February 6/7.
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Series organiser Bruno Michel said: “I am very pleased to report that we will be having a night race weekend in Qatar. It is a very exciting new challenge, and one that GP2 is happy to take up.
“The Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore prove to be a success, generating tremendous interest among both media and fans all over the world: we are confident that the GP2 Asia Series will offer the same kind of dramatic action in Qatar in true GP2 style.
“I am really looking forward to that fourth round.”