Top Cars

The first ever grand prix to be held at night will take place at Qatar on March 9th, 2008, after a special 'night vision' test was passed without problem.

Barely two months after the announcement that next season's MotoGPcurtain raiser would be run under floodlights, subject to approval from the Riders' Safety Commission, a successful test at the Losail International Circuit on Monday evening gave the project its final approval.

Five MotoGP riders were present at the night test, which took place at 7:30pm at the circuit on the outskirts of Qatar's capital city Doha. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki), Marco Melandri (Ducati), James Toseland(Yamaha), Anthony West (Kawasaki) and Alex de Angelis (Honda) all did several laps of the circuit and were unanimously in favour of next season's race taking place in the dark.

"It's going to be so exciting to race under floodlights," said MotoGP veteran Loris Capirossi. "The difference from when we first tested here at night [in 2006] is amazing. Back then I wasn't too sure what was possible, but the lighting is perfect out there! There's hardly any difference between day and night riding in these conditions, and of course it's going to be more exciting to race at night. There's no problems with shadows or reflections, I'm very happy with this."