13 Apr 2009

Rain forces postponement of Qatar MotoGP

8:26 pm on 13 April 2009

The season-opening Qatar MotoGP has been postponed because of heavy rain.

Race officials say it will now take place Tuesday morning New Zealand time, starting at six o'clock.

Qatar's Losail International Circuit on the outskirts of Doha was lashed by the adverse weather, forcing the postponement of the night-time race.

The 125cc race and 250cc Grand Prix were shortened but the main showpiece was unable to get underway.

Australian Casey Stoner, on a Ducati, will start in pole position ahead of six-times world champion Valentino Rossi and the Italian's Yamaha team mate Jorge Lorenzo of Spain.