F1 2021 - G.P. Nº 20 - QATAR

[McHouserphy]

FORMULA 1 TEMPORADA 2021 – GP Nº 20
QATAR GRAND PRIX

Losail

Losail International Circuit
Doha
PO Box 8708 ; PH: +974 4379 788
Qatar

HORARIOS:

Viernes 19 de Noviembre :

• Prácticas Libres, Sesión 1 :Horario Local : 13:30 a 14:30 - España : 11:30 a 12:30 - GMT : 10:30 a 11:30
• Prácticas Libres, Sesión 2 : Horario Local : 17:00 a 18:00 - España : 15:00 a 16:00 - GMT : 14:00 a 15:00

Sábado 20 de Noviembre :

• Prácticas Libres, Sesión 3 : Horario Local : 14:00 a 15:00 - España : 12:00 a 13:00 - GMT : 11:00 a 12:00
• Clasificatorias de Parrilla de Salida : Horario Local :17:00 a 18:00 - España : 15:00 a 16:00 - GMT : 14:00 a 15:00
  

Domingo 21 de Noviembre :

• CARRERA: Horario Local: 17:00 - España: 15:00 - GMT: 14:00

Datos Básicos de Pista

• 
• Fecha de creación: Oct. 2004
• Primer Gran Premio de F1: 2021
• Grandes Premios organizados: 0
• Capacidad de espectadores: 8000
• Longitud oficial: 5,380km / 3,342 millas
• Número de vueltas: 57
• Sentido de giro: Derechas (Horario).
• Longitud total de carrera:306,66km / 190,549 millas.
• Longitud rodadura: 5.265 metros.
• Compensación de linea de salida: 0m.
  
  [IMG].png[/IMG]
• Curvas oficiales: 16
• Curvas oficiales a derecha: 10
• Curvas oficiales a izquierda: 6
• Curvas reales: 15
• Curvas reales a derecha: 10
• Curvas reales a izquierda: 5
• Velocidad Máxima Speed Trap: 325Km/h
• Porcentaje de tiempo en frenada: 19%
• Porcentaje de vuelta con acelerador a fondo: 62%
  
  [IMG].png[/IMG]
• Consumo por vuelta: 1,89Kg.
• Consumo por vuelta: 2,45 litros.
• Penalización por vuelta de combustible: 0,06s.
• Demora por cada 10Kg de carga: 0,31s.
• Tiempo de entrada y salida de pits (sin repostar): s.
• Distancia desde la salida hasta la primera frenada: 430m.
• Tiempo de vuelta de referencia: 1:22,500
  
  [IMG].jpg[/IMG]
• Carga aerodinámica: Media/alta
• Dureza / Desgaste de frenos: Medio
  

• Datos de Frenada:
  
  
• Agarre del asfalto: Alto
• Tipo de neumático: Duro
  
• Compuestos seleccionados por Pirelli:
  
  
• Ventana Pit Stop a 1 parada : vueltas 32 a 37
• Ventana Pit Stop a 2 paradas : vueltas 22 a 26 y 43 a 46
• Ventana Pit Stop a 3 paradas : vueltas 10 a 21 , 27 a 32 y 45 a 49

Mejor pole : ( - )
Mejor Vuelta : ( - )
Pole 2020 : ( )
Vuelta Rápida 2020 : ( )
Podio 2020 : 1º ; 2º ; 3º



Piloto con más Poles:
Escudería con más Poles:
Piloto con más victorias:
Escudería con más Victorias:

Vuelta virtual al circuito de Losail :





El circuito de Losail en Qatar, es una nueva incorporación al circo de la F1 en este año 2021, como lo será Jeddah en Arabia Saudí, pero a differencia de esta última, Losail cuenta con una larga trayectoria de competiciones de motociclismo y carreras de todo tipo, menos de Fórmula 1.

Se encuentra en Losail, una ciudad-isla aún en construcción a 20 km del noreste de Doha, capital de Qatar.

La pista fue construida en 2004 y cuenta con un aforo sentado de 3000 personas. Tiene una longitud de 5.380 metros con 12 metros de ancho y cuenta con 16 curvas, 10 a la derecha y 6 a la izquierda.

La recta principal es de 1.068 metros, está ubicada la única zona de DRS del trazado, tiene buen agarre y niveles altos de abrasión. En su mayoría son curvas de bajas velocidades, promediando unos 140 km/h.

El mejor lugar para adelantar es en la curva 1, amplia con bastante espacio y justo al final de la recta principal. Hay una horquilla lenta al principio de la vuelta, pero dado que la sigue una complicada doble a la derecha y luego una recta corta, es difícil imaginar que los autos se acerquen lo suficiente como para que se pueda realizar un movimiento agresivo en esta pista plana como el mar.

La conservación de los neumáticos será todo un desafío para los equipos, dado que un alto porcentaje del circuito son curvas, la degradación será un quebradero de cabeza. Por otra parte, la secuencia de alta velocidad entre las curvas 12 y 14 es muy similar a la curva 8 del Istanbul Park, pero en la dirección opuesta. En concreto, este viraje será todo un desafío para los neumáticos.

Aquí se ha visto de todo, desde tormentas de arena hasta aguaceros torrenciales que retrasan la acción, pero aunque tal vez no sean las condiciones más comunes, normalmente puede confiar en los fuertes vientos y la condensación tan pronto como se pone el sol.

Otra constante será la atmósfera de la multitud, o la falta de ella. Losail se encuentra en las afueras cada vez más cercanas de la ciudad capital de Doha, y el área alrededor del lugar sigue siendo en gran parte un sitio de construcción o un desierto desolado. A pesar de que los trabajos de construcción para la candidatura de la Copa del Mundo del país significan que la civilización se acerca cada vez más a la pista, la carrera nunca atrae a más de un puñado de fanáticos en comparación con otros eventos.

De hecho, solo hay una tribuna en la recta de meta, lo que significa que incluso la posibilidad de que se agoten las entradas no significa que la carrera esté a tope.

El circuito cuenta con un impresionante sistema de iluminación para carreras nocturnas perfectas, mientras que la pista en sí, está rodeada de césped sintético, diseñado para evitar que la arena del desierto acabe sobre el asfalto.





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PALMARÉS

2021 : ( )

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Enlaces / Links :

• Web oficial del Circuito Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
• Página Oficial de la F1
• Datos FIA
• Datos Pirelli
• Free Live Timing

• Carreras en Internet:
  [o]RojaDirectaTV F1
  [o]VerPlusOnLine F1

• Noticias en Español:
  [o]Motor21.com
  [o]CarandDriver.es
  [o]MotorSport
  [o]SoyMotor.com

• Noticias en Inglés:
  [o]F1.com
  [o]f1technical.net
  [o]MotorSport.com
  [o]F1Today
  [o]F1fanatic.co.uk
  [o]PitPass.com

[McHouserphy]

[llumia]

Simulación ofrecida por el equipo Mercedes:

[AMuS] @tgruener Speed simulations for the #QatarGP track layout provided by Mercedes. Only one DRS zone (T16-T1). Maximum speed 321 km/h.

[McHouserphy]

[GoVal]

Muchas gracias por el hilo, McH.


Veremos a ver qué tal van aquí los F1 y qué tal le sienta la arena a los Pirelli.

Una pena que no se hayan atrevido a hacer la carrera por la noche. Supongo que hará demasiado frío en medio del desierto.

[GoVal]

Andreas Haupt @andihaupt1 · 7min

#F1: Honda engine on it's way to one of the cars. #QatarGP, #AMuS

[GoVal]

@AlbertFabrega ha dado la vuelta al circuito y ha ido haciendo fotillos, destacando lo más importante que se ha encontrado. Voy a ir poniendo las fotos que ha subido a Twitter y sus comentarios.



Recta de 1068m. DRS 800m. Zona adelantamiento frenada T1.

Recta/straight : 320 (8)
T1: 160 (5)
T2: 200 (5)
T3: 255 (6)

[GoVal]

T4: 215 (6)
T5: 200 (5)

SECTOR 2
T6: 100 (3)
T7: 140 (4)

[GoVal]

T8: 240 (6)
T9: 250 (6)
T10: 145 (4)
T11: 260 (7)

[GoVal]

T12: 260 (7)
T13: 260 (7)
T14: 250 (7)

[GoVal]

T15: 240 (7)

Pit entry (nueva-new)

T16: 165 (4)

[GoVal]

Albert Fabrega @AlbertFabrega · 15h

Detalles de la nueva entrada a pitlane. Ahora está entre T15 y 16. La anterior estaba en el inicio de recta principal.

Details of the new pit entry. Now is between T15 and 16. The old one was and the beginning of the main straight. #QatarGP

[GoVal]

Albert Fabrega @AlbertFabrega · 15h


Escapatorias de asfalto con astroturf y bananas en la zona interior. Algunas zonas de grava después asfalto. Doble kerbs en salida

Tarmac run-off areas with astroturf and sausages on the inside of the corners. Some gravel traps after the tarmac areas. Double kerbs at the exits

[GoVal]

Cuanto más asfaltadas sean las escapatorias, más controles de límites de pista toca colocar.



Albert Fabrega @AlbertFabrega · 15h


Habrá control de límites de pista. Hay sensores en salidas de T12, T13 Y T16 (quizás haya más)


There will be track limits control. Loop sensors at exits of T12, T13 and T16 (probably more)

[GoVal]

Los «soplarena» de Qatar.



Albert Fabrega @AlbertFabrega · 29min


El asfalto es abrasivo. La arena del desierto baja la adherencia de la pista. Se limpia la pista con sopladores.

The asplhat abrasion is high. The sand over the track makes the tarmac more slippery. They clean it with blowers.

#QatarGP

[GoVal]

Albert Fabrega @AlbertFabrega · 2h


Buenos días. Imágenes de los equipos montando los coches. Circuito de alta carga.

Good morning. Pictures of the teams working already on the cars. High downforce configuration here.

#qatar #QatarGP

[GoVal]

Datos de Pirelli.

[GoVal]

Previo de Brembo.

[GoVal]

Así va el contador de componentes al llegar a Catar.

[GoVal]

Sobre el tiempo por vuelta que esperan que hagan aquí los F1, las simulaciones parece que rondan alrededor del 1:20.



Andreas Haupt @andihaupt1 · 2h

#F1: Track walk done. Very hot! Took us 75 minutes with photos. Mercedes startet with laptimes around 1.20 min in the sim and came out with 1.16 min. But there are bigger varieties this time from team to team, because it's a new track with little data. Let's see. #AMuS, #QatarGP




Aston Martin confirms that in their simulations laptimes were around 1.20 min. Flowing layout of the track. MotoGP track record is 1:52.772 min. F1 lot faster with all the corners. Straightline speed they can not match MotoGP.

[GoVal]

Se controlarán los límites de la pista en las curvas 4, 12, 13, 14 y 16 (de momento). A ver qué cambian a lo largo del fin de semana, que no hay fin de semana que no añadan o quiten algo.

[GoVal]

Notas de Pirelli para este GP.

[GoVal]

El ala trasera del Red Bull.

[GoVal]

@JunaidSamodien_ · 1h


Red Bull using the Lidar scanner for measuring their car.

#QatarGP #AMuS

[GoVal]

El podio en Catar... en 2009. Uno de ellos puede repetir.

[GoVal]

[GoVal]

[GoVal]

[GoVal]

[llumia]

Impresiones de los equipos antes del GP:



Qatar GP: Preview - AlphaTauri

Pierre Gasly: "After Brazil, we are still in the fight for fifth place in the Constructors' Championship but it was a pretty tough weekend. It was nice to be back in Sao Paulo and all the media were keen to remind me that I finished second at Interlagos the last time we were here. No podium this time, but after poor starts in both Sprint Qualifying and the main race, to manage to come back to seventh and enjoy some good overtaking moves was a positive result and a boost as we head to the next round.


"I've driven the Qatar track on the simulator and watched the MotoGP races from there. On the sim it looks really interesting as it seems there are a lot of high speed, fourth, fifth and sixth gear corners and I think it will be quite physically demanding because of all the high-speed sections. It's the sort of track I like, with lots of fast corners where you can really push the car to the limit of its aero abilities, so it should be very interesting."



Yuki Tsunoda: "I enjoyed my first visit to Brazil and discovering another new track was very interesting. Interlagos is certainly unique with a great atmosphere and fans as passionate as in Mexico. But on the track, things did not go as smoothly as I would have wanted. Although I think I did quite well in terms of adapting to the track, it was quite tricky to go into Qualifying after just an hour of practice. Then in Sprint Qualifying I got a bad start and in the actual Grand Prix it was really difficult to drive the car because of the damage from the incident with Stroll.


"So, I'm pleased that I can try and do better right away with Qatar in just a couple of days. In some ways I expect Qatar might be the easiest of these three races for me in the sense that I will be on equal terms with the rest of the field as no one has ever raced there before. On top of that, the actual layout looks more straightforward than Mexico and Brazil so should be easier to learn quickly."


https://www.pitpass.com/71308/Qatar-...iew-AlphaTauri


Qatar GP: Preview - Williams

Formula One's inaugural Qatar Grand Prix takes place this weekend, with the teams travelling to Losail International Circuit for round 20 of the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship. Located 22 miles north of the capital city of Doha, the circuit is well versed in hosting high-speed racing, having become a permanent fixture on the MotoGP calendar in 2004. Several adaptations have been made ahead of Formula One's maiden outing, with a new pitlane entrance and additional safety measures welcoming the sport.


The final race of the season's third triple header will see the FW43B illuminated beneath Losail International Circuit's lights, as the car makes its way around the fast and flowing 5.38km circuit whilst the sun sets. The main straight, at just over one kilometre long, will feature the track's only DRS zone, providing ample overtaking opportunities into Turn 1. A full capacity crowd is expected to attend, undoubtedly creating an excitable atmosphere for the country's first Formula One Grand Prix.


Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance: The final event of this triple-header brings us to a new Formula One venue. The Losail International Circuit, located outside Doha in Qatar, was opened in 2004 and has hosted numerous high-level motorsport Championship events. The circuit is 5.38km long and has 16 corners, many of which are high speed. There is only a single straight and DRS zone, which will limit overtaking opportunities. However, the flowing cornering sequence from Turn 4 to Turn 14 will be enjoyed by most drivers and will allow them to showcase what current F1 cars are capable of.


The circuit is expected to be demanding on the tyres and although the main competitive sessions will take place in the evening, the hot conditions will ensure that the track remains warm even after the sun has set. With only a single straight, the energy through the tyres is relentless and this is likely to be a feature of the race. Pirelli have brought their hardest compounds to Losail and they will probably suit the track well.



Following the Sprint Event last week in Interlagos, we return to a traditional format this weekend, which will give the drivers more opportunity to assess the track before committing to a set-up. It is likely that all drivers will want to maximise their time on track during Friday's practice sessions as they come to terms with the subtleties of the circuit. As FP2 is the only evening practice session, this will be the key session for understanding how to manage the tyres and optimise the set-up. We are looking forward to tackling another new circuit.


George Russell: It is always very exciting to visit new tracks, so I am looking forward to heading to the Losail International Circuit in Qatar this weekend. I've driven the layout in the simulator at Grove and I think it has a very nice flow to it, with lots of medium and high-speed corners. When these are coupled with the long straight, I think it will offer a lot of variability in terms of set-up options for all teams and therefore means that if you get it right the rewards could be great.


Nicholas Latifi: I'm really looking forward to the challenge of going to a new track and racing at Losail International Circuit. Formula One has never been to Qatar before, so all of us in the team will have to get up to speed without the historical data that we usually have, but that will be a nice challenge. We're going to be visiting Qatar regularly as it will be on the calendar from 2023 onwards, and so it will be an interesting opportunity to explore the local area as it will also be my first time in the country. We have a couple of new races coming up now, with this event followed by Saudi Arabia, so I'm excited to experience some brand new Grands Prix.


https://www.pitpass.com/71309/Qatar-GP-Preview-Williams


Qatar GP: Preview - Red Bull

The race in Brazil was a tough one for you and Checo. How do you reflect it now?

Max Verstappen: Yes it was a tough weekend, in general we were a little bit off pace to Mercedes but nevertheless we only lost a couple of points so it's not too bad. Of course I would always like to win but we had a good battle and to come home in second is okay. We've got three races to go so it's all about pushing and doing everything we can as a Team to maximise performance on track.


Have you been to Qatar before and are you excited to go?

MV: I think I've only been to Qatar once for a prize giving so I'm looking forward to going back. It's a new track and we've obviously never been there so I'm excited to see how it's going to be driving the track, hopefully we can perform well there. It always looks cool when we see Moto GP race there!


What are your expectations heading into the race weekend?

MV: It's hard to say at the moment but let's see when we get there. I've driven it a little bit on the simulator to understand the corners but it will be good to see the track in real life. The practice sessions will of course be very important for everyone to get up to speed and understand the car set up.


Without the timing of the virtual safety car in Brazil do you believe you would have achieved a fourth straight podium in Sao Paulo?

Sergio Perez: Yes, we were very unlucky on Sunday to miss the podium, it was basically just down to bad luck. But this is racing, and these things happen so there is no point dwelling on it, I just need to move on and look to Qatar and getting back on the podium there.


Where do you think we can improve as a Team going from Brazil to Qatar?

SP: I think we will do a deep analysis as a Team and Qatar is going to be a very different track to Sao Paulo so things will change. Hopefully we can be a lot stronger there, across the whole weekend. For me also, it is nice to be back to the normal qualifying format to see how we line up in terms of outright pace.


You have driven at the Losail International Circuit before in GP2 in 2009 and have now reminded yourself of it in the sim, how do you think it will suit the RB16B and does your experience give you an advantage?

SP: I think we will be competitive over there and hopefully give them a hard time. It is a really fast track, with a lot of downforce required so we will see how quick we can be. I don't remember driving there very well, it was a long time ago so I don't believe there is much advantage for me! There are three races remaining of the season and still so much to play for. Brazil was a very fun race so let's hope for the same this weekend.


Stats & Facts



Checo won at the Losail International Circuit when he competed in the GP2 Asia Series in 2009. He is the only active Formula One driver to have previously raced at that level on this track.


The RB16B chassis of Max and Checo are the only bulls to be found in Qatar this week because when it comes to land-based mammals, Qatar boasts the highest density of camels of any nation in the Middle East.


At its widest point, Qatar is only 90 kilometres wide, shorter than an F1 sprint, and 160 km north to south, barely over half the distance of a Formula One Grand Prix.


Red Bull Racing Honda will be seeking a 75th win in constructor history this weekend. The team have already won ten races this year, more than in their championship winning seasons in 2010 and 2012.


Max is attempting to win on his first visit to a new circuit for the second time in his career. The first win came as recently as September, when he was a winner on home ground at Zandvoort.


https://www.pitpass.com/71313/Qatar-GP-Preview-Red-Bull


Qatar GP: Preview - Haas

Uralkali Haas F1 Team is heading from the Americas to the Middle East for the final leg of a triple-header, and an inaugural trip to Qatar, marking Round 20 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.


Qatar's Losail International Circuit was constructed in 2004 and became a focal point for the MotoGP World Championship, including hosting the opening two rounds of the two-wheeled series earlier this year. It is just 70 miles away from the Bahrain International Circuit, where Formula 1's 2021 championship began back in March with pre-season testing and the Bahrain Grand Prix. But for Formula 1 and Uralkali Haas F1 Team it will be the first venture to both Qatar and the Losail International Circuit, with the venue added to the schedule as a replacement round for Australia.


The Losail International Circuit features a lengthy pit straight and an abundance of sweeping medium and high-speed corners across its 5.3km layout. Track evolution is expected to be high throughout the course of the weekend owing to its infrequent use, with changeable winds and sand also a potential disruptor, as can be the case in nearby Bahrain. Losail is equipped with floodlights and thus there will be one more night race on the schedule, with Qatar joining Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and soon-to-debut Saudi Arabia in taking place after sundown in 2021.


After the third Sprint-based weekend in Sao Paulo Formula 1 will revert to its more traditional format in Qatar, giving Uralkali Haas F1 Team and rookie drivers Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher three practice sessions of running prior to the business end of the weekend.


The Qatar Grand Prix is the third and final race in the last triple-header instalment of races on the 2021 F1 calendar. With changes of continents, time-zones, altitude etc, not to mention the frustrations experienced with things like freight delays ahead of last week's Sao Paulo Grand Prix - how do you feel the team's placed, both mentally and physically, for this next instalment and is it a greater challenge given the Losail International Circuit is a brand-new venue to F1 - with everyone venturing into the unknown?

Guenther Steiner: "As the old saying goes, 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going,' and our team got going very well when we had delays in Brazil with the freight. They did a fantastic job to get everything together and they're in for it, they go through it and obviously they can also see an end to it now. They realize that this year is a difficult season because COVID is still around and a lot was pushed into the last half of the season. They kept their heads down, worked hard and we achieved everything we wanted to achieve.

In the end, we came out on the good side and it made the team grow together. They know if they just work together they can achieve this.


"The brand-new circuit where we're going brings excitement because most of our team hasn't been there. Even though it's a triple-header, you get to a new location which they haven't seen yet. You know you need to work hard but if you do this job, part of it is exploring new things and everyone is really looking forward to going to Qatar because we will be coming back in years to come - so there's excitement around it."


Formula 1 announced that Qatar would enjoy a 10-year deal commencing 2023, having offered to step in late to host a race in 2021. Having seen the success of the likes of Bahrain and Abu Dhabi in establishing Formula 1 in the Middle East - do you see this simply as a further strengthening of Formula 1 in the region or a bold new addition that offers something different to its geographic neighbors?

GS: "I think it's a good addition and this year they stepped in at the last minute to help us get a good race calendar. I think the Middle East is a good location to have races - it's not too far away from Europe, it's warm when it's getting cold in Europe and if people plan their holidays, it's a good place to go. These countries are up and coming and they put a lot of effort in to host these events."


Summarize Mick and Nikita's strengths in tackling this last flurry of races with most of the venues visited completely new to them both in their careers. As F1 rookies, and with the pace of the VF-21 acknowledged - how impressed have you been with their ability to knuckle down and learn the circuits.

GS: "I think coming into a season like this - for rookies with 22 events - somehow it needs to be very challenging but exciting at the same time. If you're 22 years old and you're able to do this, it must be a fantastic feeling but it's hard work. Don't forget about the hard work they put in because they need to perform on track, and they do perform. Obviously, what is performance with the car we've got, we knew that it wouldn't be strong. They brought the car home most of the time, they've learned along the way. When the team told them to do things differently, they adapted to it and listened.


"I think coming to the end of the season they should be happy with what they've learned and then take that learning and put it into next season, as that will be a different game. We need to fight for points and that is the mission. Next year the pressure will be higher but in a different way. The challenge this year was getting used to everything and learn Formula 1. They've had a year of learning and now we need to deliver points."


The inaugural Qatar Grand Prix will take place at the purpose-built Losail International Circuit - a location known for hosting battles on two wheels, rather than four. How do you think Formula 1 cars will fare around the track?

Nikita Mazepin: "The Qatar race is going to be an exciting one because I've raced there in my first-ever race in Formula MRF in 2014, so it's a track that I enjoy, although I haven't been there in a long time. It's a track where a lot of sand remains. I'm looking forward to going after very different types of races."


What is your personal checklist for tackling a new circuit? What is your priority in terms of dialing in around the track and what, if any, goals do you set for yourself?

NM: "When you go to new circuits it's really important to build-up and not make silly mistakes that will send you backwards two steps. Learn the track on the simulator if possible, then learn it via the onboards and do the track walk and then start building into it on the real track."


It will be your second Formula 1 race to take place after sunset, does that provide any additional challenges or nuances to prepare for, or is it business as usual?

NM: "I love racing at night. I think it's a spectacular venue, Qatar itself, and then under the lights it looks really good. I'm excited to see what it's going to look like. It's not really different, obviously the travel and the set-up seem different because it's so different to Brazil and the US, but the track venues are quite similar."


The inaugural Qatar Grand Prix will take place at the purpose-built Losail International Circuit - a location known for hosting battles on two wheels, rather than four. How do you think Formula 1 cars will fare around the track?

Mick Schumacher: "I think we all know that MotoGP goes to Qatar a lot and we haven't been but I'm sure it will be an experience for us all. I don't know what to expect as I haven't been there so it's brand-new for everybody and I hope it will bring us closer to the top teams and at least we'll be able to fight on track with others."


What is your personal checklist for tackling a new circuit? What is your priority in terms of dialing in around the track and what, if any, goals do you set for yourself?

MS: "I think it's just about having seen the track at least once; it does help a lot. We have track walks, we get a lot of data - maybe not at this track - but we will definitely have the opportunity to see. By the time I drive in FP1 I should be fine and hopefully I'll be able to tackle the track."


It will be your second Formula 1 race to take place after sunset, does that provide any additional challenges or nuances to prepare for, or is it business as usual?

MS: "It's pretty much business as usual. It doesn't really change as the lights that the track has are nearly the same as daylight and you manage to see just as well, especially because of the time zone we're in right now."



https://www.pitpass.com/71314/Qatar-GP-Preview-Haas




Qatar GP: Preview - Aston Martin

Sebastian: "This weekend will mark the first time that we have raced at the Losail International Circuit, so at this stage, there are a lot of unknowns.

Because we have very little to no data, other than our recent telemetry from Mexico and Brazil, it will be incredibly important to have a productive Friday and Saturday before qualifying and the race."


Lance: ''Last weekend's result was a tough one to take on the chin as our race was compromised by factors out of our control. We are all focused now on Qatar, which will be a fast, flowing circuit where overtaking will be quite difficult – so it will be crucial to secure a good qualifying performance on Saturday."


Keys to the Race


The Qatar Grand Prix is the final race of the 2021 season for Pirelli's hardest tyre compound, the C1, which will be joined by the C2 and C3. With both qualifying and the race taking place after sunset, understanding tyre behaviour in cooler temperatures will be crucial.


Featuring one significant straight and one DRS zone, overtaking at the Losail International Circuit could be tricky. Positioned at the end of the DRS zone and with a heavy-braking entry, Turn One will be the best overtaking opportunity of the lap.


With plenty of smooth run-off, the Losail International Circuit will initially be forgiving to any driver who makes a mistake. However, that run-off is surrounded by gravel traps, so drivers who stray too far off-line risk getting beached.


https://www.pitpass.com/71317/Qatar-...w-Aston-Martin


Qatar GP: Preview - McLaren

Lando Norris: "After a tough race in Brazil last week, I'm hoping we can bounce back as we head to Qatar for the first time in Formula 1 this weekend. We've got one last race of this demanding triple-header before Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, so we'll be pushing hard to try and end it on a high.


"I've been able to drive the Losail International Circuit on the simulator to get a feeling of what to expect this weekend. It's a pretty fast and fun track with a few big braking zones which should make for a physical race. Being able to compete at new places is always a challenge, which is exciting for us as drivers as we have to adapt to something new and get up to speed as quickly as possible. I'm looking forward to it!"


Daniel Ricciardo: "We were unfortunate in Brazil not to come away with points on my side. It was a shame, but there's still plenty of positives to take from the weekend and use those to focus on maximising everything from the remaining races this season. We've got one more at a new venue for us in Qatar to round off this triple-header. I'm looking forward to it as it's a new track and a different challenge for everyone. The aim is to get to grips with the circuit right from the off and find a good rhythm. Racing under the lights brings some extra excitement too. Three to go, we'll keep fighting."


Andreas Seidl, Team Principal: "After a challenging two weeks, we head to Qatar as we look to secure a positive result for the team and score the points that are on the table for us with the package we have.



"This week marks the first-ever Qatar Grand Prix in Formula 1's history at the Losail International Circuit. Once again, it's exciting to be racing in a new country and venue and being able to bring the sport to fans across the globe from a different territory.


"We return to the traditional race weekend format following sprint qualifying in Brazil. The additional free practice session will enable teams to optimise their planning and set-up, especially with there being no historical data on record. The track offers a mixture of medium and high-speed corners with one DRS zone on the main long straight, which hopefully will provide opportunities to overtake going into Turn One.


"The team both at the track and in the factory, alongside our colleagues at Mercedes HPP, have shown hard work, dedication and teamwork to the highest levels during this transcontinental triple-header. Let's keep pushing together."



https://www.pitpass.com/71318/Qatar-GP-Preview-McLaren


Qatar GP: Preview - Ferrari

The final triple-header of the season ends at what is a brand new venue for Formula 1. After Mexico and Brazil, Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow now heads for Qatar, on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, also bordering Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. It will be the first time a Grand Prix has been held here. Qatar covers an area of just over 11,500 square kilometres, with a population of 2,800,000.


The track only took a year to build, thanks to a workforce of around a thousand, at a cost of 58 million US dollars. It was inaugurated in 2004, staging that year's MotoGP, the first such race to be held at night as from 2007, when a powerful 3600 floodlight system was installed. It is 5.380 kilometres in length, with the main straight measuring 1.068 kilometres. The track is surrounded by artificial grass to prevent sand blowing onto it from the surrounding desert


The first corner is very important, as it requires very heavy braking before a quick section where it is important to carry speed before braking for turn 4, which marks the start of a section with more corners. A hairpin at turn 6 is the slowest point on the track and leads into the most technical part of the circuit. The complex of corners 12, 13 and 14 is taken as one turn, similar to the famous turn 8 at Istanbul Park. Turn 15 is a fairly quick right-hander before the final braking point on the lap. Here there is more than one possible line, which means overtaking is a possibility.


The race will take place at night, so that all other sessions are later than usual in the day.


https://www.pitpass.com/71319/Qatar-GP-Preview-Ferrari


Qatar GP: Preview - Alpine

Formula 1 visits Qatar for the first time this weekend but someone who knows the Losail International Circuit better than anyone is Alpine F1 Team's Racing Director Davide Brivio, whose knowledge stems from his MotoGP experience. Davide explains the key challenges of this weekend.


From your previous experience, what is the Losail International Circuit like?

Davide Brivio: We're looking forward to going to Qatar as it's the first time that Formula 1 has ever been there. I think it's going to be interesting to see how the Formula 1 car works there as it's unknown for all teams and drivers.

In my experience, I've been many times to Qatar as MotoGP raced there since 2004. It's a nice circuit, which has a little bit of everything. There's the long straight at almost 1km in length and possibly an overtaking opportunity into Turn 1. After that there are many long sweeping corners, which flow quite nicely.


What conditions can Formula 1 expect?

DB: We're going there at a good time of year with the warm weather. I'd imagine it will be warmer than Mexico and Brazil and much more stable. The heat will provide some challenges on cooling but similar to what we see in Bahrain for example. Racing in the evening will see lower temperatures though and it could be quite windy at the same time. Free Practice 1 will likely be very dusty from the sand, but it will clean as the sessions go on through the weekend. On the whole, the facilities are good there and it should be a good race weekend.


What other challenges might there be?

DB: We're arriving at the end of the triple header, which has been very busy for everyone. What is interesting about this weekend, is that no team or driver would have been to Losail before. It's an unknown circuit for Formula 1 so it will be interesting to see how the teams and drivers adapt to learning a new circuit. Also, because the race was added quite late in the calendar during a busy part of the year, there hasn't been too much time for simulation and preparation. We'll see who has reacted and adapted the quickest, which is a unique challenge for everyone.




Esteban Ocon returned to the points in Brazil after securing eighth place at the chequered flag at Interlagos. The Frenchman wants to add to his points tally this weekend as Formula 1 heads to Qatar for the first time to conclude the latest triple header.


What do you know about the Losail International Circuit?

Esteban Ocon: Like all the drivers on the grid, we're heading into the unknown in Qatar as it's a place Formula 1 has never raced at. Of course, a lot of us have watched the MotoGP there so we know some bits of information about the track like the long straight and sweeping corners. It's probably going to have quite similar characteristics to Bahrain in the fact that it's going to be windy, dusty and also a night race, which are always enjoyable and unique.


How challenging is it to learn a completely new circuit?

EO: It's a fun challenge when we go to new circuits. We're all in the same position as no one has driven the track, and that's the challenge we face at the next two races in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. I'll go on a simulator to prepare as best as possible and try to have a good understanding of the lines and pick up some tips. Learning a new track probably places more of an emphasis on the driver as it's all about trying to get up to speed quickly and try and find some things that others might not. It's a nice challenge for us to take on as a team.


What's your mindset leaving Brazil heading into the final race of the triple header?

EO: It was great to have both cars back in the points in Brazil. I really enjoyed the race as there was plenty going on and we had some mega battles on track. We remain fifth in the Constructors' Championship after taking six points between Fernando and I. We know teamwork and consistency is going to be key to keeping fifth by the end of the season. We're looking ahead and we're focused on getting the job done. Our main target immediately is building off from scoring double points in Brazil with a successful result in Qatar to end this triple header as best as we can.


Fernando Alonso heads to Qatar for the final stretch of races this season in the Middle East. He enters the end of the triple header following a strong recovery drive in Brazil, that saw the Spaniard score points for the thirteenth time this season.


You grabbed ninth in Brazil; how did you find the race?

Fernando Alonso: We had good pace during the weekend, and I think we were always fighting back a bit after a poor start to the Sprint on Saturday. The race itself was good but I think we reached our potential and couldn't hold off the Alpha Tauri who had fresher tyres. We tried our best, but their pace advantage was too strong on the new tyres. In the end we had both cars finish in the points and that is what we need to do if we're to finish ahead of them in the standings. It'll be close until the end, so we need to maximise everything from the last three races and continue to work together well like we did in Brazil.


Qatar is a new one for most of the field, what are your expectations heading there?

FA: I always enjoy racing in the Middle East. Losail is a track we don't know that well, but it's been on the MotoGP calendar for many years, so we're open minded heading there. I've chatted with Davide Brivio about the circuit to see what he had to say as he has the most experience there in the whole team. We race in quite a few circuits there and the facilities are good, and you're usually guaranteed nice weather. We've had a look at the track on simulators and onboards and it does look fast with a nice flow to it. It'll be interesting to see how a Formula 1 car behaves around the circuit compared to a motorcycle.


It's back to a standard race weekend in Qatar, what is your evaluation of the Sprint Race format used this year?

FA: I think they have made the weekend more exciting as if you're a fan watching from home you get to see two races. It's also good to go straight into the exciting stuff like qualifying, rather than have two practice sessions on Friday. It's useful for us and the teams to have these practice sessions, but maybe as a fan it's not that exciting to watch. From what we've seen with Sprint Qualifying, when you have the grid line-up in its performance order then of course you're going to see those cars finishing in that same way. We saw when Lewis (Hamilton) came charging through on Saturday it was fun to watch but everything else was staying the same. And we see the same in Formula 2 and Formula 3 due to the reverse grids. I think the format is interesting and it's important we try something different, but there are a few tweaks we need to look at to make it a total package. I'm sure we'll all chat about this next season and see what can be done.




https://www.pitpass.com/71321/Qatar-GP-Preview-Alpine


Qatar GP: Preview - Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN heads to uncharted territory at this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, the 20th race of the 2021 season and the final part of a triple-header spanning three continents. The team is ready to tackle the Losail International Circuit, a track that makes its first appearance in the Formula One calendar, for the first of three floodlit races in a row.


After two events in two weeks in the Americas, north and south of the Panama Canal, the team embarks on the long journey to the Middle East, more than 10,000km away, to bring this gruelling triple-header to an end. Bodies and minds are weary but the determination and commitment of the team are unwavering. With just three rounds remaining in the championship, every lap counts in our quest for points, and every lap can represent an opportunity to grasp with both hands.


This is even truer in Qatar: racing on a track that was not even in the calendar until not long ago, and on which no Formula One car has ever been run in anger. A staple in the MotoGP season, Losail will be like one of the Arab tales retold in Doha's souq, slowly revealing its secrets as page after page of the weekend is written. North of the capital city, the track is expected to undergo a dramatic evolution from session to session as more rubber is deposited on the surface, increasing its grip. The dust is blown away with each passing car, just as the drivers acquire confidence and push ever harder: qualifying, after three session of practice devoted to discovery and set-up fine-tuning, should be a sight to behold.


The unexpected awaits behind every corner: in such an exposed region, the track can be hit by some of the strongest wind in the Peninsula, with sand being blown onto the track and grip levels being set back wildly. It's an added jeopardy that only adds to the fascination this event fills us with. Like in those Arab tales, spun by fishermen as they while the day away on their dhows, there can be twists and surprises. Like in those tales, there will be villains and heroes: we sure do hope to be the ones getting away into the Gulf night with untold riches, in the form of points, in the end...

Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal: "It's been a busy week, with some big announcements for our team, but all our focus needs to be on the track now. This weekend's race in Qatar is a crucial one for our championship and we approach it with no distractions, ready to give all we have in our quest to bring home the points we need. Coming at the end of a hard triple-header, being in our best shape will require everyone in the team to dig deep, but I am confident in what our team can do. A track like Qatar is new for everyone and discovering it will be a very important part of our weekend: we will need to make every session count and work with the track evolution. The conditions will be the same for everyone, though, so it's up to us to make the most of them."


Kimi Raikkonen: "I am approaching the last three races of my career and to race in two completely new tracks is quite interesting: it sure adds a bit of variety and keeps things fresh. The track looks fairly straightforward, with a long straight, a good overtaking spot at the end of it and a twisty middle part in which passing will be hard. It will be all about setting yourself up in the best position to attack on the finish straight, but that's as much as we can tell now. Practice will be important to find out what the grip is and how the tyres work, especially as we expect the surface to be dusty at first. We showed some good pace in the last few races, so hopefully we can get on top of the track quickly and have a good result."


Antonio Giovinazzi: "I am really looking forward to being back in the cockpit and to getting back to racing. The announcements of this week are in the past now, and my objective is to have some strong performances for the remainder of the season. Qatar is a new track for everyone, so we all start from zero: this can be an opportunity for whoever gets up to speed the quickest. It is obvious, by now, that achieving a good result will take a flawless weekend: the midfield is as close as it can be and you can go from hero to zero, and vice-versa, with just some tiny gains or mistakes. We are due a good result after some unlucky races and this weekend would be a great occasion to claim it."



https://www.pitpass.com/71323/Qatar-...iew-Alfa-Romeo


Qatar GP: Preview - Pirelli

For the very first Qatar Grand Prix, held over 57 laps, Pirelli's C1 compound has been chosen as the P Zero White hard, C2 as the P Zero Yellow medium and C3 as the P Zero Red soft. This is the fifth and last time this year that the three hardest compounds in the range have been nominated.


Existing data and simulations from teams point to Losail being a high-severity circuit with very demanding corners - similar to Silverstone or Mugello - and quite aggressive asphalt. The grip might also be affected by sand from the desert surrounding the track. With Qatar also being a completely new venue for Formula 1, Pirelli has opted for the three hardest compounds: capable of handling all of Losail's varied demands.


Track Characteristics


There's a start-finish straight that's just over a kilometre long, but also a quick succession of 16 corners to make up the rest of the lap, which means that the tyres are always working hard. This is expected to lead to a reasonably high degree of degradation.



The track still has its original surface from 2004, which offers high grip and has become quite abrasive over time, accentuating wear and degradation.


Despite the presence of strategically-placed artificial grass around the circuit to keep away the sand from the desert, the asphalt could still become very dusty thus affecting grip.


Turns 12 to 14 form a triple-apex right-hander, making up almost a single high-energy 5.2g corner that is slightly reminiscent of the famous Turn 8 in Turkey - only in the opposite direction.


Qatar is just one of four races held in the evening under floodlights this year. This means that the evolution of track temperature over the course of the grand prix should be quite different compared to a standard afternoon race, with the potential for a big drop-off as the race goes on. In the desert, there's a big difference in temperature between day and night. While the race takes place at 5pm local time, FP1 and FP3 happens during the heat of the day, so only FP2 and qualifying provide a truly representative picture of the likely race conditions.


There are no support races at all on the schedule and the circuit hasn't been used a lot recently, which will mean that there's no rubber laid down prior to F1 cars running. As a result drivers can expect a slippery track at first and a high degree of track evolution. The surface could also be 'reset' by sand blowing onto the track over the weekend.


Mario Isola: "Qatar will provide a thrilling new challenge at a unique venue with its own special character, so we're very much looking forward to our first visit. Coming to a new circuit isn't a novel experience for us though, and we rely on simulation data as well as track information that we collect in advance to select the nomination that will be used. We haven't had the chance to measure the roughness of the asphalt with our instruments but the promoter provided us with very useful information on the asphalt characteristics. From what we can see, the hardest tyres in the range will be well-suited to Losail, due to the quite abrasive asphalt and the very demanding corners. But as we've never actually raced there before, we'll only get a true picture of how the tyres really work on this circuit once we arrive."



https://www.pitpass.com/71305/Qatar-GP-Preview-Pirelli