GP2 Announce Qatar Night Race in 2009 Asian Series

The GP2 Series have announced the introduction of a maiden night race in the Asian Series next year. Taking the example of parent-championship Formula 1, the GP2 officials have pushed forward organizing the first night race in the history of the series, in Qatar.

The Losail-based circuit is to replace the second race at Dubai, scheduled for February 25-26 as the 4th round of the current season. Consequently, Qatar will be making its debut in the GP2 Series sooner than expected.

“I am very pleased to report that we will be having a night race weekend in Qatar. It is a very exciting new challenge and one that GP2 is happy to take up. The grand prix in Singapore proved to be a success, generating tremendous interest among both media and fans all over the world. We are confident that the GP2 Asia Series will offer the same kind of dramatic action in Qatar in true GP2 style,” announced GP2 boss Bruno Michel.

The Qatar Grand Prix will get under way on February the 6th, two weeks later than the initial Dubai event. The Losail circuit has hosted its first night race earlier this year, in the MotoGP series.

The announcement came only days after the GP2 officials released the calendar for next year's Main Series. The 2009 GP2 European Series underwent several changes also, with Magny-Cours leaving the championship due to lack of funds. Instead, the series' officials have included the newly-developed Algarve track on the 2009 schedule, making it the new season finale.