MotoGP: New schedule as heavy rain hits Qatar

MotoGP organisers have been forced to put in place a new schedule for this afternoon’s activities at the Losail circuit, after heavy rain hit the Qatari track this morning.

The new schedule will see the MotoGP class taking to the track for a 20-minute session at 1800 local time (1500 UK time) to see what the conditions are like, before then immediately convening for a safety commission meeting to discuss their concerns.

Traditionally, wet racing at the Losail circuit hasn’t featured in past years thanks to concern about visibility and glare from the night race’s floodlights, but after recent tests by MotoGP race direction the decision was taken to experiment at this year’s event with the possibility of it.

With almost-unprecedented levels of rain falling since shortly after last night’s free practice sessions finished, much of the track was left under water today, forcing delays to the Asia Talent Cup race as organisers struggled to clear the standing puddles.

• Track Inspection 1700
• Medical Inspection: 1710 
• MotoGP Free Practice: 1800-1820
• Moto2 QP: 1855–1940
• MotoGP FP4: 1955–2025
• MotoGP QP 1: 2035–2050
• MotoGP QP 2: 2100–2115
• Moto3 QP: 2130–2210