Rain postpones MotoGP race

The eagerly-awaited Grand Prix of Qatar that was due to start at 23.00 today under the floodlights of the Losail circuit near Doha had to be postponed because of rain. Just as the Repsol Honda riders and the rest of the grid were about to start the formation lap, heavy rain began to fall in the desert, creating a mirror-like track surface.

The riders have not ridden in full wet conditions under the floodlights that surround the 5.380km (3.343-mile) Losail circuit and the dazzling effect of the lights’ reflection was considered a genuine safety hazard. After much deliberation, with the rain continuing to fall, the organizers decided to postpone the race by a day. So the MotoGP season opener is now planned to start at 21.00 on Monday, with the warm-up at 18.30.