About the circuit
Climate
The track lies near the desert, and races run at night under floodlights. November temperatures average about 28 degrees C. Windblown sand is said to reduce tyre grip, so artificial grass surrounds the track. Of the past 16 race days, 14 were sunny and 2 were cloudy; none were rainy.
Track layout
The lap runs clockwise, with 6 left and 10 right corners, 16 in all. The longest straight is 1,068 m, and Turn 1 waits at the end of it. Medium- and high-speed corners dominate, and three right-handers come in a row later in the lap. Riders brake for 13 of the 16 corners, a count said to be among the highest in the championship.
Where the action is
The key spot is Turn 1, at the end of the 1,068 m straight. Riders shed speed from about 340 km/h to about 92 km/h in roughly 5 seconds over 277 m. It is described as the hardest braking of the lap, and the chances to pass gather there as well. The other straights are short, so passing spots are said to be limited.