Marc Marquez set the fastest lap in the Qatar MotoGP round’s first free practice session at Lusail, posting a 1:52.278. Marco Bezzecchi was 0.110 seconds behind, with Fabio Di Giannantonio third. Jorge Martin ended the session in fifth.
Marquez arrived in Qatar leading the championship, with his first chance to secure the title this weekend. Friday’s opening session, however, shows only early pace; it does not set the grid or decide the race. Bezzecchi’s narrow gap leaves the fight at the front open.
Pedro Acosta was fourth despite a technical issue cutting his session short. Qualifying, the Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix are still to come, so the first practice times offer an opening picture rather than a final verdict.