Poll: Official 2023 Qatar Grand Prix Thread - Losail International Circuit - Round 18

[chrismscotland]

Lusail​

When was the track built?​

The Lusail International Circuit, located on the outskirts of the capital city of Doha, was built in preparation for hosting Qatar’s first ever MotoGP event in 2004, with the circuit completed in just over a year.

When was its first Grand Prix?​

2021 represented the first time Qatar had ever hosted the FIA Formula One World Championship – with the country signing an additional 10-year deal to host the sport from 2023.

What’s the circuit like?​

Designed primarily with motorcycle racing in mind, the 5.4-kilometre Lusail International Circuit is a fast and flowing track, where medium- and high-speed corners predominate. Over one kilometre of the track’s total length is made up of the main straight, which provides plenty of overtaking opportunities into Turn 1.

Why go?​

If you live in the northern hemisphere and the thought of escaping colder climes in October appeals, you’ll be well catered for in Qatar, with average temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius at that time of year. Unsurprisingly with that kind of weather, Qatar is a great country for outdoor pursuits, be that karting at Lusail itself, or trips into the desert to go sandboarding, camel riding and 4x4ing.

Where is the best place to watch?​

The Main Grandstand puts you at the heart of the action, with panoramic views of the start-finish straight, the pit lane and the team garages. Meanwhile, the new-for-2023 T2 Grandstand offers outstanding vantage points to enjoy the action through the circuit’s opening corners.

Qatar Grand Prix 2023 - Schedule Information & TV Broadcast Times​

Channel 4 Highlights - Broadcast Times​

Saturday 7th October - Qatar GP Qualifying & Sprint Race Highlights - 21:35
Sunday 8th October- Qatar GP Race Highlights - 23:00

Weekend Weather Forecast (as of 02/10/2023 - who am I kidding, its going to remain bloody dry and hot anyway!)​

Track Diagram & Information​

Previous Race Highlights​

• Qatar Grand Prix 2021 - Race Highlights

Drivers Championship​

Constructors Championship​

v



Just a reminder, but consider it a warning - can we not have any further derogatory name calling of drivers, team bosses and the like. We don't expect you to like every driver/team, but at least keep comments respectful.

If you don't follow this warning, you will lose access to the race thread and the thread for the following race as well.

This includes but is not limited to such terms including Lulu, Crashstappen, Karen Horner, Whingey Spice etc.

 

[chrismscotland]

I think the only year the WDC overshadowed the race winner was the year they felt they had to make a show of it because Hamilton clinched his title but didn't finish on the podium, I think it was Mexico if I recall.

Generally though the WDC is handed out and a driver has won or been on the podium

 

[chrismscotland]

A rare incidence of a race circuit I don't recall ever virtually driving around in any of my old race sims... Looks quite flowing, here's hoping that at least the McLarens can keep Max semi-honest.

Its funny I was thinking the same, I guess as its always been seen as more of a Motorbike racing track than anything, I don't remember seeing it until this years F1 game

 

[chrismscotland]

Was a pain to pass here if I recall. Could be a long weekend for Norris

 

[chrismscotland]

The photo's of the surface shared through the week looked pretty dire, not surprised at all

 

[chrismscotland]

Great camera work as usual there

 

[chrismscotland]

Could do with a safety car to bring the gaps back down

 

[chrismscotland]

Latifi was better for this role

I was just thinking Sargent hasn't crashed yet, plenty of time

 

[chrismscotland]

Surely a slam dunk unsafe re-joining there

 

[chrismscotland]

Another Perez investigation for track limits, can he do no right?

 

[chrismscotland]

I feel like Perez know's the writing is on the wall now given how utterly poor he's been the last few races, its like he's just given up

 

[chrismscotland]

Wouldn't surprise me. Can be horrible in the cockpit, especially if the drinks are working, although I believe his was.

Even with their drink its only like half a litre bottle, not surprised they're struggling

 

[chrismscotland]

What’s the penalties record for one race?

Probably Austria, can't remember the final count but I don't think we're anywhere near it yet

 

[chrismscotland]

Who's idea was it to race here in the first place?

Money talks

 

[chrismscotland]

Yeah I think 15 seconds is probably just too big a gap

 

[chrismscotland]

Norris/Russell gap has gone up if anything

 

[chrismscotland]

22 seconds back to Russell, softs are dire, Leclerc might get him before the end

 

[chrismscotland]

How many 5 second penalties did Perez get in total? Was that 3 over the course of the race?

 

[chrismscotland]

Lazenby, Rosberg and Naomi Schiff, where's the decent presenters?

 

[chrismscotland]

At this rate I'm honestly wondering if Perez will last the season..

I'd be looking over my shoulder once Ricciardo is back fit...