Qatar Canceled

The first race of the 2009 season in Qatar has been canceled due to weather conditions. The 125 class ran only 4 laps before it was red flagged for rain. The result was a half-point race. 45 minutes later, the kings of MotoGP were on the grid, 2 minutes from starting the first race of the season, and the rains came. Qatar is in the middle of the desert, where it rains only 4 or 5 days a year. The races there are run under the lights in order to escape the extreme desert heat of the day. Because of the primarily dry conditions, there is no drainage on the track. On top of that, the lights that are required for the racers to run at night, reflect on the wet track and create a white-out effect. So, ultimately, it was an impossible race to run.

Nicky Hayden, who was injured yesterday during qualifying, did show up for the race, appeared relieved, as did Dani Pedrosa, who is still healing from his winter-break surgeries on his knee.

As it stands now, the officials are discussing possibly running the race tomorrow. This is posing a problem with riders and team members who have flights booked to leave Qatar tomorrow and head for Japan for race 2. Updates will be posted as they become available.

Until next time ....

Rubb'er Down :)

Kristen