Skip to main content
Home

MotoMatters.com | Kropotkin Thinks

... that upgrading a website takes longer than you think

User Menu

  • Log in

Tools

  • Home
    • Contact
  • Subscriber Content
  • Round Ups
  • Features
    • Analysis
    • Interviews
    • Opinion
  • Photos
  • More
    • Search
    • Riders & Teams
      • 2023 MotoGP Rider Line Up So Far
      • 2022 Provisional MotoGP Rider Line Up
      • 2022 Provisional Moto2 Rider Line Up
      • 2022 Provisional Moto3 Rider Line Up
    • Calendars
      • 2022 Provisional MotoGP Calendar
      • 2022 Provisional WorldSBK Calendar
      • 2023 Provisional WorldSBK Calendar
    • Championship Standings
      • MotoGP Standings
      • Moto2 Standings
      • Moto3 Standings
      • MotoE Standings
      • WorldSBK Standings
      • WorldSSP Standings
    • Race Results
      • MotoGP Race Results
      • Moto2 Race Results
      • Moto3 Race Results
      • MotoE Race Results
      • WorldSBK Race Results
      • WorldSSP Race Results
  • Subscribe!
  • Patreon
  • Old Forums

Breadcrumb

  • Home
  • Race Results

2017 Qatar Moto2 & Moto3 Test - Rain Forces First Day Of Testing To Be Abandoned

By David Emmett | Fri, 17/03/2017 - 19:13

The final test of the 2017 preseason for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes has had to be abandoned after the first session. Dark clouds and high winds had threatened the track during the opening Moto3 session, with only a handful of bikes taking to the track. But heavy rain started falling shortly afterwards, leaving the track soaking, and not drying out. After consultation with the teams and riders, the test was abandoned.

It is a timely reminder that weather can be a factor at this time of year in Qatar. Although rain is rare in the peninsula, it is not unknown, and is most frequent at this time of year. The weather has been a little unsettled in recent weeks, with rain falling just before the MotoGP test as well, though track time for the premier class riders was unaffected. 

Most famously, rain forced Race Direction to postpone the 2009 race from Sunday until Monday when rain started to fall. Race Direction judged that reflections from the floodlights made it impossible to ride the track safely.

In recent weeks, MotoGP and FIM safety officers Franco Uncini and Loris Capirossi have run tests on a wet track, and determined that it should be possible to ride at the circuit even if it rains. This decision still has to be agreed by the Safety Commission, however, with the riders having a major say in whether the race can take place or not. Official MotoGP tire supplier Michelin have brought wet tires to the Losail Circuit, though Moto2 and Moto3 supplier Dunlop has not.

The Moto2 and Moto3 test is due to continue on Saturday and Sunday, ahead of the start of the season on Thursday. The weather is looking better for the next few days, though the current forecast shows a chance of rain on Saturday night.

The test for the support classes is crucial. The test is the first time the Moto2 teams get to use the official Moto2 engines for the first time this year, removing some of the variance at the previous test. Some Moto3 teams are also using new engines, with British rider John McPhee telling MCN that Honda have brought a new engine for him to test, along with some other parts.

2017
0
Moto2
Moto3
Losail, Qatar
  • Log in or register to post comments
↑Back to top

Log In or Register

  • Create new account
  • Reset your password

MotoGP.com latest

  • 10 things you probably didn't know about Franco Morbidelli
  • What's new for 2023 in MotoGP™?
  • Get a FREE TRIAL for MotoGP™ VideoPass & TimingPass
  • MotoGP™ expands agreement with Viaplay across Nordic region
More

Follow MotoMatters on Twitter


Mastodon

MotoGP Technology

Buy Neil Spalding's essential guide to the technology of MotoGP bikes, MotoGP Technology.

Recent comments

  • Yep, works a lot better at…
    2 hours 21 minutes ago
  • I agree that Fabio would…
    3 hours 38 minutes ago
  • Bring it on!
    4 hours ago
  • Feedback
    6 hours 48 minutes ago
  • Comments section has been…
    8 hours ago

All content copyright of MotoMatters.com unless otherwise stated. MotoGP is a trademark of Dorna Sports s.l. and MotoMatters.com is not associated with it.

Site hosted by