The 2011 World Endurance Championship will be decided at this year's Qatar 8 Hour, giving some relevance to what is often seen as post-season jolly with little real meaning.

SERT Suzuki and BMW Motorrad France are fighting for every advantage in the championship showdown, with BMW taking the early lead in qualifying. SERT have already suffered a setback after a heavy crash by Daisaku Sakaiand ruled him out of the race. SERT's Vincent Philippe also crashed, perhaps a sign that the French team are feeling the pressure.

TT Legends Honda have also been hit by injury, with Cameron Donald ruling himself out before leaving for Qatar. His place has been taken by Glen Richards who has proved very successful at the Doha circuit with Phase One in the past.

Finally, local outfit QERT have entered an all female team for the race. German Suberbike rider Nina Prinz is joined by European Superstock competitor Paola Cazzola from Italy and Hungarian Nikolett Kovacs who has raced itn he European Supersport championship.

Nina Prinz: ''I love the Losail racetrack but none of us knew the track so we can only improve our lap times tomorrow".

Paola Cazzola: "For this kind of race, mental strength is as important as physical strength."

Nikolett Kovacs: "This adventure is important for all women riders and our target is to reach the end of the race".

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Follow the results here: www.ris-timing.eu/~circuit//8hdoha/2011