Michael Masi explains work required to make Losail circuit suitable for F1 cars

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FIA Formula 1 race director Michael Masi visited the regular MotoGP venue this summer immediately after the Hungarian GP, alongside Formula 1 sporting director Steve Nielsen, at a stage when discussions for Qatar to host a Formula 1 race this year were still under way.

Despite the fact that the circuit has an FIA Grade 1 licence for car racing and was used for a GP2 Asia event in 2009, Michael Masi’s inspection confirmed exactly what work was required in order to make it suitable for current Formula 1 cars.

As previously reported, a new pit entry was the only major change required to the actual track layout, while some kerbs and barriers needed some updating.

“They’re changing the pitlane entry completely. So what was the pitlane entry for bikes will change, dramatically. That work is nearly completed. It’s a very different ilk in the MotoGP or FIM world. So it’s been trying to adapt in a relatively short period, which is the other part that we need to consider, that we’re not talking about a huge period of time. I’ll head there again next weekend, prior to Austin, to have a look, but nearly all the works have been completed.” – the FIA Formula 1 race director explained.

At the same time, updating a track that has long been established for the requirements of bike racing has presented an unusual challenge.

“Obviously the big parts have been safety requirements for bikes when it comes to Tecpro barriers and things like that. There’s a number of double kerbs that have been installed. Obviously, the circuit is ostensibly a bike circuit. So apex sausages, so people don’t cut corners on the inside, double kerbs on exits, are the big one from a circuit perspective. As well there’s a significant number of barrier upgrades, with regards to Tecpro and tyres around the entire venue. But the pitlane entry’s probably the biggest actual track change, let’s call it.” – he added.

The pit garage complex was deemed to be suitable for Formula 1.

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“There’s more than enough,” said Masi. “I think it’s about 40 garages as a base number. And when we were there, they’d already finished an extra 10, if I recall correctly. So there’s 50 pit lane garages in total. There’s more than enough space. Garages, paddock space, all things like that were all fine from the circuit end. I think it’ll be a good little venue for this year.” – Michael Masi concluded.