2008 MOTGP: ARE THEY CRAZY, STUPID OR GENIUSES?

[sneakypete]

The 2008 Qatar MotoGP will create motorcycle racing history by becoming the first to be run under floodlights.

Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta confirmed in a press conference in Misano today (Friday) that the race on March 9, 2008 will take place at night, most likely at 11pm to capture prime time European TV audiences, with the race going out in big markets like Spain and Italy at 9pm.

It has long been rumoured that the Losail International Circuit would be the first to host a premier class race under floodlights.

In 2006, Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi and Kenny Roberts Junior completed a handful of test laps in Qatar under floodlights. The first three corners and part of the home straight were floodlit but the concept seem to have been abandoned after the trio said the a floodlit race needed much more thorough investigation

Ever since Qatar came onto the MotoGP calendar in 2004, circuit bosses have been looking for a unique selling point for the race, after it was the first to be staged in the Middle East.

Joe Crookham and Jeff Rogers, bosses of Musco Lighting, who won the contract to complete the massive project, joined Ezpeleta at the press conference.

Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Attiyah from the QMMF (Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation) and FIM President Vito Ippolito also attended.

It was confirmed that the project, which would feature an incredible 3700 light installations, is due for completion on February 15 in what Crookham described as the “biggest lighting project ever at a world sporting venue’.

A million watts would be required to power the lights, which will feature on the outside and inside of the Qatar circuit to ensure rider safety.

At present the plan is to run all three classes at night, with practice also taking place under floodlights.
Much is likely to depend on a test session planned at the circuit at the end of October, though no riders or teams have yet been officially requested to attend.

Ezpeleta said: “Changing the Qatar race to a night time schedule allows for a better synchronisation with European television schedules, where the race can be made available in the primetime Sunday slot. This is obviously a big boost for the broadcasters, and a landmark moment for MotoGP.”

Mr. Al-Attiyah declined to comment on the specific cost of the project, but it is expected to run into the multi-million pound bracket. He said though such a facility would allow the circuit to become a year round venue. Qatar has traditionally baking hot summers, but with floodlights the track could be used at night in cooler temperatures for tracks days and other race events,

“This is obviously a major project for Qatar and we are proud to be able to say we will hold the first Grand Prix event under lights. Whilst this is great for the country’s image as a whole, it also means our track can be used in the hot summer months and we hope this opens up more opportunities for other motorsports events in the future, “he said.”

Experts in providing lighting services for racetracks and all kinds of sporting venues including the Daytona Speedway, Crookham described the complex system as, “The biggest lighting project in the world for any sporting event.” He added, “The system will incorporate over 3700 separate light sources across every section of the circuit, which will eliminate shadowing on the track and in the run-off areas. The quality of the light is the same as any premium lighting system at any other major sporting venue. Based on our experience in other motorsports events, the riders will be able to see as well as during daytime and may even come to prefer it.”

[aardvark]

I can't see the point. It'll be just like racing during the day if they are going to light it up so much that there aren't any shadows.

[speedqueen]

bloody hell, as if it wasnt dangerous enough!!!! Don't know if its worth the risk just for a good show....its pretty damn good now as it is!

[Neka79]

I can't see the point. It'll be just like racing during the day if they are going to light it up so much that there aren't any shadows.

tv timeslots..thats what its all about!!

now if they made them put lkights on the bikes for the event, well that would change things...

[Billz]

I don't like the idea of shifting the race to fit into TV schedules - a 5am Monday morning Phillip Island motoGP start to fit in with US and European TV schedules anyone?

I can maybe see the point of running at night when it's cooler in a place like Qatar, though. Running motor sport events under lights isn't new; speedway, for example. Plus the assorted 24 hour races and the like without the floodlights. I think it's just been expense and logistics that have stopped this happening so far but, with the demands of global live TV, it might start happening more and more.

[Lone Wolf]

Originally they said their reasoning was to combat the Middle Eastern heat, but most saw through that when they did nothing about Malaysia

[Neka79]

I don't like the idea of shifting the race to fit into TV schedules - a 5am Monday morning Phillip Island motoGP start to fit in with US and European TV schedules anyone?

.

wouldnt be that bad..just means we'd have to drag the bonfire over trackside..its not like we'd be asleep anyway!!

[Billz]

its not like we'd be asleep anyway!!

Maybe not, but I wouldn't be seeing too clearly!

[Neka79]

its not like we'd be asleep anyway!!

Maybe not, but I wouldn't be seeing too clearly!

i told u NOT to drink the toilet water!!

[Billz]

its not like we'd be asleep anyway!!

Maybe not, but I wouldn't be seeing too clearly!

i told u NOT to drink the toilet water!!

Yeah, I'm not good on details like that...

[robracer]

sounds like too much money & not enough brains

[aus636]

Wouldn't like to BLOW a fuse at full noise.

[QLDZX6R]

Europe is the main market for Moto,and all the riders will have the same conditions ,and these guys are the best so should all be good...as long as one of the lights don't blow!

[Tack]

Wouldn't like to BLOW a fuse at full noise.

you'd be more likely to blow a seal at Phillip island.......