Exciting shifts in plans, electrifying premieres, and the return of beloved figures set the stage for an extraordinary Saturday.
The schedule for the MotoGP™ class at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar has undergone a modification due to rain affecting the running at Lusail International Circuit on Friday.
The Practice session for MotoGP™, crucial for determining entry to Q2, has been rescheduled to Saturday. It will now take place from 13:40 to 14:25 (UTC+3), lasting 45 minutes.
In the wet conditions on Friday evening, the MotoGP™ class conducted an FP2 session instead. As a result, the entrants to Q2 are yet to be determined, leaving everything up for grabs from 13:40 on Saturday, just before Q1 commences at 14:00.
Martin, Espargaro, Acosta, and Marc Marquez dominate the headlines on Day 1.
The unexpected rain in Qatar added an intriguing twist to Day 1, shifting the usual Q2-deciding Practice session to Free Practice 2. Despite this change, the day was packed with excitement and noteworthy performances.
In FP1, Jorge Martin led the charge, closely followed by Aleix Espargaro and rookie sensation Pedro Acosta, who continues to impress both on and off the track. Marc Marquez also showcased his skill by securing fourth in the dry session and topping the wet session, hinting at a strong showing in qualifying.
Other notable performances included Brad Binder, Johann Zarco, Enea Bastianini, and Fabio Di Giannantonio, while reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia faced challenges but remains hopeful for improvement.
In the wet session, Marquez continued to shine, followed closely by Augusto Fernandez and Acosta, who maintained his impressive form in challenging conditions.
With an action-packed Saturday ahead, including Practice, Q1, Q2, and the highly anticipated Tissot Sprint, fans can expect another thrilling day of MotoGP™ action as grid positions are determined and the first Sprint of the year kicks off.
Moto2 Masia top in the rain, Aldeguer reigns in the morning
In the dry Free Practice session on Friday morning, Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) showcased his championship potential by topping the timesheets. However, his lead was narrow, with Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) trailing just 0.034s behind in second place, followed by Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in third.
As rain began to fall, Practice 1 became crucial in determining the combined times for Q2 qualification. Despite a slow start due to the weather, rookie Jaume Masia (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team), the reigning Moto3™ Champion, emerged as the fastest rider, with Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team) close behind in second place. Xavier Artigas (KLINT Forward Factory Team) secured third position, completing the top three in the wet conditions.
With Practice 2 scheduled to define the 14 riders advancing to Q2, Moto2™ fans can expect an intense battle on the track, followed by qualifying starting at 17:45 local time (UTC +3).
Holgado on top on Friday with Record-Breaking Lap
After Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) set the pace in the inaugural session of the season, the first Q2-timed session for the Moto3™ class witnessed Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) claiming the top spot with a blistering new lap record of 2’03.606.
With the advent of the Pirelli era, competition remains fierce. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) secured second place, trailing by a mere 0.063s, while Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) closely followed in third, just 0.106s behind. Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took fourth position, with Ortola slipping to fifth. Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) and David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) finished sixth and seventh, respectively, followed by Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA).
Heading into Saturday, the field remains wide open. Provisional Q2 entrants will be confirmed in P2, so don’t miss the action starting from 12:10 (UTC+3), followed by qualifying at 16:50!
Official MotoGP Press Release
