Talking Points from Thursday as MotoGP Touches Down in Lusail for Round 4
Thursday, 10 April 2025
MotoGP roars into the Middle East this weekend for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, and Thursday’s action laid the groundwork for what promises to be a spectacular Round 4 under the lights of Lusail. After the dust settled from the horsepower rodeo in Texas, all eyes now shift to the high-speed, floodlit straightaways of Doha.
And the headline act? The reigning World Champion is back.
The Return of the #1: Jorge Martin Cleared to Race
All weekend buildup conversations seemed to orbit around one central point—Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) is officially back. After missing the Americas GP due to injury, the reigning World Champion has been declared fit and ready to get back in the mix. His presence alone ups the stakes, not just for this weekend, but for the wider Championship picture.
Martin took his seat at the traditional pre-event Press Conference on Thursday, joined by current points leader Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), his brother and six-time premier class titleholder Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), and Americas GP victor Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team).
The atmosphere was light but focused, with the paddock eager to see how Martin will perform after his brief stint on the sidelines—and how his return might disrupt the current rhythm at the top.
The Marquez Factor: Sibling Rivalry & Title Tension
The Marquez brothers continue to be one of the most compelling storylines of the season. Alex enters Round 4 with the red plate and a confident stride, while Marc is quietly ramping up his own challenge aboard the Ducati.
Alex, sharp and calm as ever, knows he’s no longer flying under the radar. With two podiums already under his belt this season, his consistency is painting him as a legitimate title contender. Meanwhile, Marc isn’t just lurking—he’s learning. The eight-time World Champion is visibly more at ease on the Ducati, and it’s becoming a question of when, not if, he’s going to click into full race-winning form.
Bagnaia Back in Business After Austin Win
After a stunning performance in Austin, Pecco Bagnaia rolls into Qatar with momentum. His win at the Americas GP was a statement—a return to form after a mixed start to the season. On Thursday, he looked relaxed but laser-focused. Lusail is a track that rewards precision and control, and Bagnaia is clearly hoping to ride the wave of Texas success straight onto the top step of the podium once more.
Don’t Miss the Gear Up Show: Miller & Diggia Talk Qatar
Away from the main press conference stage, the Gear Up show delivered its usual mix of insight and energy, this week featuring Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
Miller, as animated as ever, spoke about the team’s progress and the key adjustments heading into a track like Lusail. Di Giannantonio, meanwhile, discussed his continued adaptation to the VR46 setup and the importance of Qatar in building early-season momentum.
Both riders offered up honest, reflective takes on their seasons so far, and if you missed it, it’s worth catching the full segment to hear their takes ahead of the weekend action.
Lusail at Night: The Stage is Set
The Qatar GP is one of the most visually spectacular events on the calendar. The race takes place under the floodlights, with the desert air cooling as the lights flicker to life above the tarmac. It’s not just about the aesthetics though—Lusail offers a unique technical challenge. Long straights, heavy braking zones, and a mix of medium- to high-speed corners mean that setup is everything.
Throw in shifting desert winds and tire management under artificial lights, and you’ve got a weekend where the margins will be razor-thin.
Weekend Expectations: Fireworks Incoming
With Jorge Martin back in the fray, Alex Marquez holding the lead, Marc Marquez dialing into Ducati, and Bagnaia back on form—it’s hard to remember a more closely contested build-up to a Qatar GP. The title chase is already heating up, and Lusail is only going to add fuel to the fire.
Whether it’s the reigning champion’s comeback, the sibling rivalry on two wheels, or the continued evolution of Ducati’s dominance, Thursday gave us just a glimpse of what’s brewing in Doha.
All signs point to a blockbuster weekend ahead. Let’s race.
Stylish Touchdown: Thursday Arrival Looks from the Paddock
From statement sunglasses to laid-back swagger, MotoGP’s biggest names hit Lusail with confidence and flair as Round 4 gears up. The Qatar GP paddock wasn’t just buzzing with anticipation—it was also serving looks.
Check out the full Thursday arrival gallery as riders and team members made their entrance in signature style. From sharp fits to relaxed race-weekend vibes, this is how the grid does day one.
Padel pro-am: riders take on the pros
Padel and Paddock: Riders Swap Leathers for Rackets in Doha
The Qatar Airways Premier Padel tournament landed in Doha this week, and it set the stage for a fun crossover moment between sport and speed. On Thursday morning, several MotoGP stars took a break from the racetrack to step onto the padel court, joining a special pro-am tournament.
But it wasn’t just the riders getting in on the action. A mix of familiar paddock personalities were game to play too — from team managers and mechanics to MotoGP’s very own Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta.
The event served as the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, with the desert sun shining down and plenty of good spirits on show. Just one more reason the Qatar GP weekend is shaping up to be a memorable one.
Official MotoGP Press Release
