P1racenews AI automatic summary:
While Pecco Bagnaia opened his MotoGP title defence with Qatar Grand Prix victory, it was rookie Pedro Acosta whose riding grabbed most attention in the 2024 opener
In the first grand prix of the 2024 season in Qatar, reigning MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia clinched the victory, with Ducati newcomer Marc Marquez finishing fourth. Ducati celebrated its fifth win in the last six editions of the Qatar Grand Prix, although they faced defeat in the 2021 Doha Grand Prix at the same track. The race was shortened by one lap due to a mechanical issue for Raul Fernandez and the Trackhouse Aprilia team. Bagnaia’s commanding performance saw him seize the lead early on, securing the win by 1.3s and the championship lead. Despite challenges from other riders, including rookie Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez, Bagnaia maintained his lead to emerge victorious in Qatar. Enea Bastianini’s late-race surge helped him secure fifth place, contributing to a strong showing for Ducati overall in the top positions.
