Qatar Grand Prix – Presentation and Predictions
The first Formula 1 Grand Prix of Qatar will take place this year. It will fill the vacant slot in the calendar following the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix and will be the final stop in a series that previously included races in Mexico and Brazil.
At the end of November, Formula 1 will visit the Losail International Circuit for the first time in its history. The Doha track will host the 20th stage of the season – the Qatar Grand Prix. This track is well known to motorcycle racing enthusiasts, as the MotoGP has been held there since 2004. Additionally, over the years, the track has hosted WTCC stages, GP2 Asia races, and SBK races.
The length of the track is 5.4 km, with a total of 16 turns – ten right and six left. And even though the track is quite winding, there are also some very hard braking zones. Overtaking is to be expected in the first turn, but we may also see some attacking attempts in the 4th, 6th, and 16th turns. The race will start at 5:00 p.m. local time and will therefore take place under the floodlights.
Traditionally, for Middle Eastern tracks, one of the problems is the insufficient level of grip due to the sand and dust that penetrate the track from the desert. Logically, this should affect the increase in tire wear.
For this reason, Pirelli has decided to bring three of the hardest tire compounds (C1, C2, and C3).
It should be noted that Formula 1 and the Qatari Motor and Motorcycle Sports Federation have signed an agreement not only for this year, but for ten years at a time. However, due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the contract will enter into force in 2023.
Predictions from the editorial team
In Qatar, teams will have to face a new challenge on a new Formula 1 circuit. In such conditions, it is very important to collect as much information as possible during the free practice sessions. The track combines medium and high-speed corners and a DRS zone on the main straight. With such a layout, we can safely say that this track is more suitable for Silver Arrows drivers.
Most of the members of our editorial board believe that the starting line will primarily feature the Mercedes drivers and that victory in the race is likely to be secured by one of them. For obvious reasons, the newer German engines, combined with the brand new « active suspension system should give a significant advantage to the Mercedes cars over the other drivers. If technical issues and collisions with rivals are avoided, then Max Verstappen is expected to clinch a spot in the top three.
Only Quentin, a fan of steep climbs, is betting on a victory for Charles Leclerc.
Furthermore, as the race was added to the calendar quite late, the drivers had little time to prepare and work on the simulator. The one who manages to adapt to the local conditions better and faster than the others will have an advantage.
