11 April | Grand Prix Of Qatar 2010
Qatar is turning into one of the most significant events on the MotoGP calendar. As the first race on the calendar this is the first opportunity to experience the new-season's 800cc in action and their pilots in full anger after the winter testing and hibernation. Qatar is the event where speculation meets the road. Qatar is the eye-opener.
And just to make it REALLY interesting, the race is at night. If you saw it on TV last year, you only got a glimpse of just how spectacular the event was. Yes, some riders complained about the cool track at night (it does get cold in the desert) but that's a bit like complaining of rain in Donington. Just deal with it... And having been there in the 'hot' as well as the 'cool' our vote is in!
We go 'way back in Qatar - eagerly jumping on it when it was first run in 2004. We probably sell more grandstand tickets than anyone outside of the Middle East, and we dominate the VIP Village. In fact, this year we expect to run our 'Pole Position Club' in a private VIP Village area, bringing in addition to 'normal' VIP benefits, our own touches such as our hosts/hostesses, contests, special gifts, special speakers from the paddock. The VIP Village itself features one of the most breathtaking service road tours in MotoGP putting you right on top of this unique circuit. And it is the only place on the track where you can get a beer... The event is so sparsely attended that seeing riders, getting autographs and photos, and generally feeling like you are on the 'inside' is commonplace. This year we add a mid-range facility, the Losail Club, in a great viewing position with full catering and a chance to get indoors in case it does get too chilly! At half the price of VIP Village this make a good upgrade from the grandstands.
We have a great choice of package for all requests. Our Superior package in the seaside Marriott (our 'home' hotel) will spoil you; and if you want to go all-out, join us in the sublime Sharq Village (Ritz Carlton), always the base for several of the factory MotoGP teams. Of course for all our packages, we take care of you from the moment you land if you wish, and we will have a team on hand to help with anything.
Our programme is packed, starting with an optional Friday Desert Safari which has become a tradition with us as we descend the 'hill of death' in our 4x4s. Our opening party last year was a huge hit, this year will top it. Saturday we do a city tour taking in the camels, the shopping, and the architecture, and end up on a very chilled out Dhow cruise around the harbour. Its like a whole weekend before the weekend racing! Sunday we take over the local nightclub for a night cap; some paddock denizens always join us. And stick around Monday if you fancy a round of golf...
