P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marc Marquez began MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix weekend with the fastest time in the opening practice, as Jorge Martin was 20th on his return
Marc Marquez set the fastest time in the opening practice session of MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix weekend, with Jorge Martin placing 20th upon his return. The daytime Friday session in Qatar had high track temperatures near 50°C, which is primarily for cleaning and has limited value. Marquez dominated the session, securing a time of 1m52.288s before a late Yellow flag incident halted further improvements. The Ducati riders followed Marquez closely, with Fabio Di Giannantonio, Pecco Bagnaia, and Alex Marquez finishing within half a second behind. Maverick Vinales from KTM rounded up the top five, benefitting from fresh tires towards the end of the session. Despite a crash by Jack Miller and an issue for Johann Zarco, the practice session was mostly uneventful. Johann Martin, still recovering from injuries, finished 20th, ahead of other competitors like Raul Fernandez and Somkiat Chantra.