Marc Marquez started off the 2025 MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix with an electrifying performance that saw him dominate opening practice under the iconic floodlights of the Lusail International Circuit.
As the fourth round of the MotoGP World Championship the event brought together the best riders in the world to test their limits on the 5.38-kilometer track which features 16 corners and a reputation for delivering thrilling night racing.
The 2025 MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix FP1 session not only set the tone for the weekend but also highlighted the dominance of Ducati machinery and the competitive spirit of the premier class elite.
Ducati Lenovo rider Marc Marquez wasted no time in asserting his authority on the circuit. The Spanish rider delivered a masterclass in precision and speed, clocking an impressive best lap time of 1:52.288 to secure the top spot in Free Practice 1.
Marquez’s performance was a clear statement of intent as he aims to reclaim championship lead after a disastrous outing in Austin. His ability to extract maximum performance from the GP25 Ducati was evident as he navigated the challenging Lusail layout with remarkable ease.
Fabio Di Giannantonio, representing the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, emerged as Marquez’s closest challenger during the session. The Italian rider who has been enjoying a strong start to his 2025 campaign finished second with a lap time of 1:52.801.
Despite being over half a second behind Marquez, Di Giannantonio showcased his growing confidence on the GP25 Ducati, a bike that has proven to be a formidable force this season. His return to Lusail, where he claimed his maiden MotoGP victory in 2023 added an extra layer of motivation to his performance.
Marquez’s Ducati teammate Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia rounded out the top three with a time of 1:52.871. Bagnaia’s consistency and adaptability were on full display as he delivered a solid performance to build on his impressive victory in COTA.
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Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Jorge Martin made his return after missing previous rounds but struggled to find his rhythm, ending Free Practice 1 in 20th place on his Aprilia RS-GP machine.
Alex Marquez, riding for BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP on a slightly older GP24 Ducati, continued the marque’s dominance by securing fourth place with a lap time of 1:52.945.
Breaking up Ducati’s stranglehold on the top positions was Maverick Viñales on the Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine. The Spaniard finished fifth with a time of 1:53.162, making him the fastest non-Ducati rider in MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix FP1.
Viñales’ performance highlighted KTM’s ongoing efforts to challenge Ducati’s supremacy and showcased his ability to extract competitive lap times from the RC16.
The sixth and seventh spots were occupied by Franco Morbidelli and Fermin Aldeguer, respectively, both riding Ducati GP24s for their respective teams.
Honda HRC Castrol’s Joan Mir delivered an encouraging performance by finishing eighth with a lap time of 1:53.223. Mir’s presence in the top ten marked a positive step forward for Honda as they continue their efforts to regain competitiveness in MotoGP.
Marco Bezzecchi was Aprilia Racing’s standout performer in ninth place with a time of 1:53.225 on the RS-GP machine. Bezzecchi’s consistent pace demonstrated Aprilia’s potential to challenge for strong results over the weekend.
Completing the top ten was Pedro Acosta on the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bike with a time of 1:53.297.
Outside of the top ten, Fabio Quartararo led Yamaha’s charge by finishing 11th with a time of 1:53.322 on his Monster Energy Yamaha M1. Quartararo continues to face challenges adapting to Yamaha’s current package but remains determined to fight for competitive results.
Other notable performances included Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) in 12th and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha) in 13th. Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Racing) rounded out the top fifteen.
