Mamola inaugurates the Losail circuit (Qatar) with the two-seater Ducati Desmosedici

Warm weather and wonderful fireworks: these are the ingredients that could not be missing from the inaugural ceremony of the new Losail circuit, held today in Doha (Qatar).
The circuit, created in record time in just 12 months, will host the 13th round of

MotoGP World Championship next October 2nd: for the first time a motorcycle race will be held in the Middle East.

The warm welcome given to the representatives of the Ducati Marlboro Team who attended this event demonstrates the great interest received by motorcycling in this area of ​​the Middle East.
This is demonstrated by Randy Mamola, who was able to complete a few laps of the track with the Desmosedici Biposto of the Ducati Marlboro Team: the first MotoGP to hit the asphalt of Doha.
“I am struck by the extraordinary welcome we have been given by this country and its people: our sport certainly needed to get here.
“The track is very particular: there are some corners similar to those of some European circuits and excellent spots for overtaking. I'm sure we'll see some great racing here!
“Being the first rider to 'taste' this asphalt is more than an honor and in general today it is fantastic to be the representatives of our sport in this country, for me and for the Ducati Marlboro Team”.

Naturally, great enthusiasm for Randy's lucky passengers on board the Desmosedici Biposto: to the thrill of a ride with the famous rider on a real MotoGP was added that of being among the very first people to tread the brand new asphalt of Losail.

Among the guests at the ceremony were the Prime Minister of Qatar Abdulah Bin Khalifa Al Thini, the President of the IMF Francesco Zerbi and the President of Dorna Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The circuit is 5400 meters long and 14 meters wide. The straight measures 1060 metres: with 20 meters more than that of Catalunya, it is currently the second longest straight in the World Championship. The asphalt used for paving the track was specifically designed to withstand very high temperatures.
During the 12 months needed to build the entire structure, 800 to 1000 people were employed.
The costs of the work are around 52 million dollars.

Ducati Press