Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) left it late to secure the top spot on the timesheets during Friday’s free practice sessions at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. The Italian edged out compatriot and reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) under the floodlights at the Lusail International Circuit, while Marc Marquez ensured two Ducati Lenovo Team machines finished within the top three. In a welcome sight for fans, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) made his much-anticipated return to MotoGP action, enjoying a trouble-free day as he begins his title defense.
As the riders pushed for a coveted spot in Q2, Alex Marquez initially led the way with a 1:51.704, with Bagnaia and Marc Marquez close behind. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) impressed in the early stages, sitting fourth ahead of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team duo of Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio.
With fresh soft Michelin tires fitted, the lap times began to tumble. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) briefly broke into the top 10 before Morbidelli and Bagnaia raised the bar. Bagnaia’s 1:50.975 put him 0.2s clear of Morbidelli, while Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Viñales slotted into third and fourth, respectively.
The final minutes of the session saw a flurry of activity, with Di Giannantonio and Marc Marquez trading places in the top three. Quartararo’s late charge saw him climb to fifth, only to be demoted to sixth by Di Giannantonio’s improved lap time. Rookie Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) also made their presence felt, securing top 10 positions and a spot in Q2.
Reflecting on his strong start to the weekend, Morbidelli said, “Great start of the weekend, I felt really good with the bike straight away this afternoon. We had some problems during the start of the second session, but then we were able to be very quick with new tyres, so I am really happy. There is some work to do to be more consistent with the soft tyre but also with the medium, because in the beginning I couldn’t use it properly. I talked to Valentino right after both sessions, we can feel he is in the garage, his advice is like gold to us. It’s good to start the weekend in this way with him here in Lusail. We started well and we need to continue like this. The team made a great job today, for sure, tomorrow the grip is gonna be different and it’s gonna be hotter than today. But the goal for Saturday is to fight for the front row and to be prepared for the Sprint.”
Despite facing Q1, Jorge Martin’s return to the paddock was a success, with the reigning champion completing 20 laps and finishing just 1.5s off the pace. While he may not be an immediate threat for pole position, Martin’s progress will be closely monitored as he aims to fight his way through Q1 and join the frontrunners on the grid.
Saturday’s action in Qatar promises to be thrilling, with the battle for pole position set to commence at 15:40 local time (UTC +3). As the riders continue to adapt to the unique conditions at the Lusail International Circuit, the stage is set for an exciting showdown under the lights.
