Losail will be a physically demanding circuit according to the drivers

Many drivers are expecting to struggle in Qatar this weekend. Due to its nature, this circuit, which will focus on aerodynamic support and has a nice series of fast corners, will be a real challenge according to them.

« It’s a pretty fast track,” said Lando Norris to Motorsport.com. « There won’t be many big braking zones, so it will probably be quite physical.”

« It will be a very fast circuit,” explained Pierre Gasly. “It’s difficult to compare with another track, so it will be a real challenge. I was able to drive on it in the simulator and the driving seems fun, but it will certainly be very physical in terms of G-forces, the average speed in the corners will be very high.”

Kimi Räikkönen also emphasizes what the track conditions will be in Qatar, an additional challenge. « In the last three races of my career, two circuits are completely new. It’s quite interesting because it adds variety and everyone will be on equal footing. The track looks quite simple with a long straight line and a good passing zone at the end as well. The rest of the layout, however, is more twisty and there, overtaking will be difficult. » He continues: « Free practice sessions will be important to know what the grip will be on the track. We expect it to be dusty at the beginning. »

What do Nikita Mazepin and Sergio Pérez think about it? The two drivers are the only ones who have driven in Qatar in the past, in lower categories.

« I ran there in 2014, it was my very first MRF Challenge race,” Mazepin says. « I appreciate this track even though I haven’t been back there in a long time. It’s a circuit with a lot of sand.”

« It’s a really fast track,” explains Pérez. « This layout requires a lot of downforce but I don’t think I’ll have any advantage there, it’s been a while since I last drove here. » “Indeed, it was during the winter championship of GP2 Asia 2008-09.”