MotoGP in Qatar

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Jorge Martin

(Bild: APA/AFP/KARIM JAAFAR)

Last year's runner-up Jorge Martin took the first pole of the season for the GP in Qatar. The Pramac Ducati rider's 1:50.789 minutes set a new track record. He was followed by Aleix Espargaro and Enea Bastianini. KTM rider Brad Binder finished fourth. World Champion Francesco Bagnaia started the race from fifth place.

"The sensations were better than at the test in terms of vibrations, we made a step forward, although I can still feel something, but it's something quite normal, something we've had in the past and it doesn't worry me," said Martin after qualifying.

Here is the result in detail:

Martin reported that there had been a lot of changes in terms of the electronics. "I think they put a lot of work into that area because it was a small problem that was affecting the electronics a lot because they were starting to do the opposite of what they were supposed to do. I think that was the key and we have a thousand ideas to test if this strong vibration lasts, but today it was not very serious so I am reassured," he explained.

18 races "would be optimal"
The Qatar GP starts on Sunday at 6pm. 21 races are on the program this year. For KTM Head of Motorsport Pit Beirer, the season is definitely too long due to the resulting stresses and strains on the workforce. "I would rather we didn't break the 20-race barrier," said the German. "The optimum size we would want as a manufacturer would be 18 races."

Here is the live ticker:

Here are the interim results: