Grand Prix Of Qatar 2009
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| «2008 | 2009 | 2010» |
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This event took place 12/04/2009
See event results from motogp.com
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| Qatar - Fun we had in 2009 | ||||||||
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Event reportGrand Prix Of Qatar 2009GORDON HOWELLWhat a weekend! Without doubt the weirdest MotoGP I have experienced; the opener at Qatar will be remembered for a long time to come. But for me it was NOT because of the incredible weather, the unprecendented MotoGP race postponement, the shortest 125cc race in history, the long-awaited season opener... No, it was the sheer exuberance, the exhilaration, the pandemonium when the team we have sponsored for the past 3 years put one of the most likeable young riders on an historic first podium for both team and pilot! Frenchman Jules Cluzel took an incredible 2nd place in the 250cc race having battled his way forward from 13th position past most of the top seeded racers! Privateer team Matteoni - both known to many of our customers over the years - achieved their greatest result - their first ever podium. I was privileged and proud to be in the pit and then under the podium with a few of our fortunate customers to drink in the moment and the raw emotion that makes this the most exciting sport on the planet! Apart from Jules, despite being only 13 laps, this race was one of the most exciting we have seen in years, very close, a sweet comeback for Hector Barbera, and an amazing 250cc debut from 125cc champion Mike di Meglio (two French on the podium!). This will be a great series! The 125cc race saw just 4 laps in the shortest race in GP history. An unprecedented half points were awarded; sure to make this a strange point count! Our sponsored British rider Danny Webb (99) put in a good ride to go from 13th to 9th in the short time he had -- this after a poor week of difficult setups and bike issues. The MotoGP looked like it was just going to get in under the rain -- but our hopes were dashed as seconds after the engines started in preparation for the sighting lap; the heavens burst open. Many of us had gone to the main grandstand for a starting-line view of the race; I regret to report the half-roof was designed to keep out sun, not rain, and we all got soaked! For an idea of what it was like, check out our video on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ior1ZcYFiC8) Monday morning we were on the phone contacting all of our VIP and package guests, we were delighted that most of the people in the VIP Village manage to change travel schedules and make the unique Monday night race. Dorna was kind enough to re-open the hospitality and a good time was had by all! Many also made it back to the grandstands. The rain held off; and Stoner cruised to his predicted victory; with Rossi and Lorenzo proving that this is going to be a 2- or 3-way race all season! What a battle we have brewing! Qatar is by far the smallest event on the MotoGP calendar -- but once again I am reminded what a 'club' feel it has. Especially at the VIP level where you enjoy full paddock access, private stands and shuttle services, service road tours, and many of our customers got an opportunity to sit on the pit wall for race and qualifier starts! We had one customer who was photographed with every single MotoGP rider; anyone who wanted an autograph of Rossi or another rider found it easy; some saw the race from the service road. If you can make it to Qatar, this is one you want to save up for VIP. We will continue to offer an inexpensive package option to help you save your budget for the important stuff! The destination itself can be a lot of fun - we did a tour of the old souk, the sublime new Islamic Art museum, and shopping galore! Very family-friendly, this is one I want to bring the kid to! See some photos of the weekend on our gallery. We are taking reservations for 2010 now - it will be about the same time, and will be the first event as well as a night race. Oh yeah - Qatar took the coveted IRTA 'Best Grand Prix' award for 2008. We have been coming here every year since it started in 2004 - the improvement has been tremendous. Well done! Internal ID: 85 |
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