As in racing conditions, qualifying practice for the Qatar Grand Prix took place after dark on Friday. With milder temperatures, the session produced astonishing results since the best time was achieved by Raul Fernandez (RNF Aprilia), author of a lap in 1’42”843.
The Spanish driver was ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini, at 0”049), another surprise, and Maverick Vinales (Aprilia, at 0”093). With Aleix Espargaro in 5th position, three Aprilia motorcycles are in the top 5.
The title contenders, for their part, experienced severe difficulties at the start of the session. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) and Jorge Martin (Pramac) remained stuck in the last quarter of the standings for a long time. They found the key ten minutes from the end, but their results were not dazzling either: Martin took 7th place (0”352 behind the leader) and Bagnaia followed just behind (0” ‘359).
Marquez narrowly qualified
Both will meet again on Saturday in Q2, like Marc Marquez (Honda), who narrowly passed thanks to his 10th place. On the other hand, the French will have to compete in the repechage. Victim of a fall at the start of the session, Johann Zarco was never in the running and he was only able to set the 16th time (at 0”935). Fabio Quartararo looked like he could go better but his final fast lap was canceled due to a yellow flag. The sanction was brutal: the Yamaha rider found himself 21st and penultimate, at 1”417.
