This time, it is not the rain that risks bothering the competitors in this 2019 Qatar Grand Prix since not a drop is expected this weekend: on that side at least, we are calm!
The rather cool anticipated temperatures for the place, varying from 14° at night to 25° during the day, are not a real problem either.
On the other hand, two other factors already appear to be unfavorable for optimal track conditions.
The first was mentioned by Jorge Lorenzo from the MotoGP tests which took place right here 10 days ago: humidity. This fluctuates extremely throughout the day, rising suddenly from 10 to 70% at the end of the afternoon. However this year, the MotoGP Grand Prix was scheduled an hour later than last year and the riders interviewed unanimously declared themselves in favor of the race taking place earlier (see here).
The subject will therefore be discussed this evening in the Security Commission and we will see what decision will be taken.
Another disruptive element announced, the wind!
Present throughout the weekend, it is announced more loudly on Sunday by the qatari government weather forecast, with peaks at 43 km/h. However, the wind in Qatar has a double effect: not only the gusts which destabilize the motorcycles like everywhere else in the same conditions, but above all it sprinkles the track with sand and dust.
Certainly, humidity, wind, sand and dust do not mix well with slick MotoGP tires and it is therefore entirely possible that the race timetable will be brought forward to try to reduce their effects.
Wait and see ...
Below, what happens when the wind picks up (video taken at the end of the 2019 MotoGP test)
This little gif from the #QatarTest gives an idea of how windy it is and the amount of dust that is blowing over the track. You can see the particles, which look like smoke, in one of the track's floodlights. #toughconditions pic.twitter.com/eNZvs3NvwM
— Tim Walpole (@tim_walpole) February 25, 2019
