MotoGP: Qatar Contract Extended for Another Ten Years

Qatar is to host a MotoGP race through 2026 — the Losail International Circuit has extended its current deal, which expires in 2016, for another 10 years.

The race is to remain a night race, and will stay as the season opener for the foreseeable future. The race is a lucrative one for Dorna, the fee paid by Qatar covering all of the costs of all of the flyaway races for all of the teams for the full season.

The night race is popular with fans, as it provides an interesting spectacle, and the layout is particularly well suited to motorcycle racing.

However, holding the race as a night race means it is impossible to start the season much earlier than late March, as temperatures drop too much at night earlier in the year, causing dew to form on the track, making it dangerous to race on.

This article was originally published on MotoMatters, and is republished here on Asphalt & Rubber with permission by the author.