Ahead of Binder and Martin

The Qatar Grand Prix – LIVE from 6pm

Francesco Bagnaia won the Qatar GP.(Bild: APA/AFP/KARIM JAAFAR)

MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia has won the Qatar Grand Prix. The Ducati rider came out on top on Sunday ahead of KTM rider Brad Binder and Jorge Martin (Pramac).

Bagnaia got off to a top start and overtook Jorge Martin, who had started the race from pole position, on the very first lap. Over the course of the race, Martin fought a thrilling duel with KTM rider Binder, with the South African ultimately coming out on top against the Spanish runner-up.

Marquez narrowly missed out on the podium on his debut on the Gresini Ducati, with the eight-time world champion finishing fourth ahead of Bagnaia's team-mate Enea Bastianini.

The final standings:

Rookie Pedro Acosta also put in a remarkable performance. The 19-year-old Spaniard was at the front for almost the entire race before a mistake cost him a top position, with the GasGas rider finishing ninth.