MotoGP 2014 Season Opener; Qatar Night Race

By Ajinkya

Published: Saturday, March 22, 2014, 13:51 [IST]

After the winter test and all the pre-season testing, 2014 season will begin this Sunday at Qatar under floodlights. With various change in rules, teams and riders.

MotoGP 2014 season will witness three classes this year Factory teams, Open class and Factory 2. All this may sound confusing and to be honest it really is.

Factory teams this year will include Movistar Yamaha and their satellite team Monster Tech3. Repsol Honda and their satellite team include LCR Honda and one of the two GO&Fun Honda Gresini.

Factory 2 will consist of Ducati team and Pramac Racing who have switched from Factory to open class category. This could benefit them, thus the FIM has decided if they win a race or achieve two second place finishes or three podiums in dry conditions in an entire season, their fuel capacity will be decreased.

Open class will have the option of softer tyres, extra fuel, extra engines to use and importantly they can keep developing their machine up until the last of the championship. They are at an advantage this year; however, by 2016 everybody will have to follow the same rules.

There will be no difference among teams and Dorna will provide teams with their ECU along with software that cannot be manipulated. This according to Dorna will level the playing field, many believe this will kill the sport just as what is happening in Formula One currently.

This Sunday the race will begin at 12:30am, which means early morning Monday and not Sunday. It is the first race of 2014 season so don't miss it.

Let us know in the comments below your prediction of who you think will the first GP under the floodlights in Qatar.