Danis reviews Qatar and looks forward to Indianapolis

A successful weekend all round at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar meant Claude Danis was a happy man following the conclusion of Sunday's first night races in the history of the World Championship.

A successful weekend all round at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar meant Claude Danis was a happy man following the conclusion of Sunday's first night races in the history of the World Championship.

In his role as Grand Prix Safety Officer Danis was present throughout the preparation process at Losail International circuit, attending test events last year and meeting with the various bodies involved to approve plans and updates, as the track was readied for last weekend's momentous occasion.

Giving the historic floodlit first round of the season a firm thumbs up, Danis said: "It was the first Grand Prix in the night time and safety-wise it was perfect. We didn't have any problems. Of course we had worked very hard to have the circuit in this condition, including the flag marshall posts, about which we were a bit worried a few weeks ago. But in the end everything was perfect and we saw very good races, so it was a very positive weekend."

Commenting on the sensational lap times recorded during practice, qualifying and the races in Qatar, Danis added: "The track was cooler than usual compared to last year when we raced here during the day, so that's probably why the lap times were better, So we will see next year if the race is later and even cooler, whether it affects the lap times again."

Danis also looked ahead to the second novelty on this year's MotoGP race calendar, the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix, which takes place in September.

"I am very happy about Indianapolis so far. I was there five times last year and it was very difficult to find a safe solution at first, because when you start with a brand new circuit it's easy, but when you have to start with an existing track it's always difficult," stated the Belgian official.

"Anyway, I'm very happy with what we've achieved over there," he continued. "They are doing a good job and I will go over there soon as I plan to meet them in the middle of April and also during the tyre company tests in July, so I think it will all be ok. On the safety side it will be good and the layout will also be very good. It was hard, but we found a good solution and I'm sure it will be exciting racing."