System 1’s 2024 season is nearing its finish as we depart from Las Vegas’s ‘Sin Metropolis’ for the Center East to host Spherical 23, the Qatar Grand Prix. Like final yr, Qatar will host the ultimate spherical of the Dash weekend.
Situated within the Qatari Desert north of Qatar’s capital, Doha, the Lusail Worldwide Circuit is one among System 1’s most enduring and demanding circuits.
Historical past of the Qatar Grand Prix
The Lusail Worldwide Circuit, the brainchild of the Qatar Motor and Bike Federation, was delivered to life in 2004. The identical yr, on October 2nd, 2008, it showcased its inaugural racing occasion, the Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar. The event of the circuit price $58 million to finish, with a projected 1,000 staff contributing to its creation. Nonetheless, the monitor was designed primarily for bike racing.
However should you requested the Bike Federation in 2004 if the monitor would host four-wheeled occasions, they’d most certainly be scratching their heads. However it did are available in 2006. The 1992 System 1 World Champion, Nigel Mansell, would take the gold competing within the GP Masters Sequence.
Transferring to 2008, the Lusail circuit would set up everlasting lighting. This advanced system designed by Musco Lighting grew to become a glamorous characteristic however would take a mere 175 days to combine. A characteristic that might permit the MotoGP to have the first-ever night time race across the 5.4-kilometre circuit. Australian Bike Racer Casey Stone gained the primary race of the 2008 Grand Prix Bike Racing Season.
Whereas Qatar would deliver a raft of racing divisions to enterprise across the Lusail Worldwide Circuit, it was not till 2021 that System 1 arrived. A improvement would see that changed the Australian Grand Prix.
However System 1 wouldn’t return in 2022, as Lusail targeted extra on MotoGP. This was primarily as a result of Qatar internet hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. So, System 1 would as an alternative return in 2023.
Evolution of the Lusail Worldwide Circuit
Earlier than System 1’s return in 2023, the circuit underwent important modifications. The primary enchancment included a renovation of the pit and paddock space. The brand new pit constructing, which was licensed by Guinness World Data, grew to become one of the vital municipal constructions in motorsport. Why?
It options 50 crew garages and a System One Paddock Membership VIP locality. However not simply that, a state-of-the-art race management tower with a elementary media centre and medical amenities.
Alongside these upgrades, a brand new array of spectator seating, generally known as Lusail Hill, was featured. The ‘Hill’ integrates a spectacle for racing followers overlooking Flip 1, who possess normal tickets. The primary grandstands, which have a view of the pit straight, can now maintain a staggering 40,000 spectators.
Additionally, the monitor has created two new layouts. The primary different, Membership Circuit, is a 2.4-kilometre circuit that begins after Flip 3 of the Grand Prix Circuit and reaches Flip 10. Nonetheless, the monitor has developed 5 new corners for the Membership Circuit to be completed round earlier than Flip 4.
The second variation is called the Quick Circuit, a 3.7-kilometre different that begins on the Grand Prix Circuit. It races round Flip 1 however doesn’t flip left for Flip 2; it turns proper, including 5 new corners for the drivers to sort out and rejoining at Flip 11 of the Grand Prix Circuit.
Monitor Format
The Lusail Worldwide Circuit is a 5.4-kilometre circuit with 16 high-G corners—six to the left and 10 to the precise. This clockwise circuit will push drivers to the boundaries with 308 kilometres of racing, which equals 57 laps.
Not like Las Vegas, Qatar will solely characteristic one DRS zone. This singular overtaking zone is positioned on the start-finish straight with the activation level set simply after the pit lane entry.
Iconic Options
The Lusail Worldwide Circuit in Qatar is a premier motorsport venue famend for its illuminated night time racing system, which options over 1,000 floodlights that create a surprising environment. With a quick and flowing structure, the monitor additionally has a 1.068-kilometre fundamental straight, good for overtaking.
Lusail additionally challenges drivers and riders with its varied nook sorts and speeds, requiring a mix of technical talent and velocity. So, one mistake might be the distinction between pole place and failing to make it into Q3.
With picturesque views of the Qatari desert, the circuit affords a novel and dramatic setting. Nonetheless, wind and sand can have an effect on racing, together with the extraordinary situations which have confirmed to be exhausting for the drivers.
Memorable Moments on the Qatar Grand Prix
With its debut at Lusail Worldwide Circuit, the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix performed an essential position in Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s fierce championship battle. Hamilton delivered a flawless drive from pole place to win the race decisively.
This victory was essential for him to take care of his title hopes, because it closed the hole on Verstappen with simply two races left within the season.
Verstappen fought again after being penalised to begin seventh on the grid to complete second. A number of drivers suffered tyre failures, together with Valtteri Bottas and Lando Norris. An essential spotlight of the race was Fernando Alonso’s first podium since 2014, the place he completed third in a powerful show of defensive driving.
The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix can be remembered as an unforgettable race weekend, with Max Verstappen profitable his third consecutive world championship. In one of the vital spectacular seasons in F1, Verstappen secured the title throughout the dash race on Saturday. With the principle race in excessive warmth, Verstappen as soon as once more demonstrated his brilliance by securing pole place and lengthening his lead.
Nonetheless, due to the brutal situations, Logan Sargeant retired from the race as a result of exhaustion, whereas a number of others suffered from warmth exhaustion. McLaren additionally resurged within the race, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris ending on the rostrum, marking a powerful efficiency. Moreover Verstappen’s coronation, the Qatar Grand Prix 2023 can be remembered for the human endurance required to compete below such excessive situations. They have been giving the championship a dramatic and bodily edge.
Reside Timings – British Commonplace Time (BST)
Friday (twenty ninth November)
1:00 pm – Qatar Grand Prix Apply One – (Session begins at 1:30 pm)
4:30 pm – Qatar Grand Prix Dash Qualifying – (Session begins at 5:30 pm)
Saturday (thirtieth November)
1:00 pm – Qatar Grand Prix Dash – (Session begins at 2:00 pm)
5:15 pm – Qatar Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 6:00 pm)
Sunday (1st December)
2:30 pm – Qatar Grand Prix – (Session begins at 4:00 pm)
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