The MotoGP riders gave a pretty positive response about the simulation of wet and rain conditions that were held in the final 30 minutes of the third day of pre-season testing at Losail, Qatar on Saturday (3/3) evening, aiming to see the possibility of holding a race when Losail was showered in rain March 18 next.
Qatar's first MotoGP was in 2004, and since 2008 it has always been held at night and its trajectory is lit by 5.4 million watts. In 2009, Losail hit by the storm until the race was postponed one day. Last year, the race was postponed twice because the track was not dry and slippery because of the rain.
Simulation of wet and rain conditions have actually been held last year and only lived by MotoGP Safety Advisor, Loris Capirossi. Even so, MotoGP wants to get confirmation from the riders who are still active races, to check whether water splashes and light reflections disrupt their eyesight.
Some riders also gave their opinion about this simulation to Crash.net, among them are Johann Zarco, Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa and Cal Crutchlow. These five riders believe that Qatar MotoGP is quite possible to be deployed in wet conditions, but must re-evaluate the level of track slippery.
Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3)
About the rain, I think the whole paddock is now just getting ready for the race. The question is vision, how we can see with the light reflecting on the wet track. But this test runs pretty well and does not give us trouble. Problem grip, we can fix it to be more confident to go fast. Even if it's raining, with warm temperatures and trajectories, we'll never face a really wet track, because it will dry quickly. So this test is really for emergency during the race, so we are ready if it really happens.
Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP)
Okay-okay. I think we can do it. I drive alone, so I do not know the situation if we drive in groups. But I think we can drive without big problems at night, and it seems that the track grip is perfectly normal with water. So I think it could be done.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda)
With the reflection of light, the situation is somewhat more difficult than usual to see the curbs and white lines, and the trajectory becomes rather slippery. But I think it should be possible to hold a race when it rains.
Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda)
I think if it rains during the race, we have to talk again and make a decision together.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol)
I think the sight is okay, but the track is very slippery and I'm sure we'll discuss it again at the Safety Commission meeting for the first race in Qatar.
Thank you hopefully useful
@ arega03