In 1 min 53 sec 432/1000, Rins was only 35/1000 ahead of the Spaniard Marc Marquez (Honda), who is coming out of two seasons disturbed by injuries, and 147/1000 his teammate and compatriot Joan Mir.

Defending champion Fabio Quartararo, "not very good on the bike", is only eighth at 474/1000.

The Italian vice-champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), fell in free practice 1 and also "not 100% comfortable", is tenth out of 24, at 539/1000.

In view of previous seasons and winter testing, we could expect Yamaha to suffer from its top speed (the lowest on the grid in free practice 2 at an average of 345.8 km/h for its four motorcycles entered) .

On the other hand, it is surprising to see Suzuki (354.6 km/h) in first place ahead of Honda (3rd at 352.3 km/h) and especially Ducati, which is nevertheless renowned for its engine power (4th at 351.4 km/h). ).

Another Ducati rider, within the Pramac satellite team, the Frenchman Johann Zarco is also uncomfortable and therefore 18th at 1 sec 133/1000.

He is likely to have to go through the qualifying repechage on Saturday to hope to play one of the first places on the starting grid.

The third free practice session, the last whose classification counts for qualifying, is indeed scheduled for 1:15 p.m. local time (11:15 a.m. French time), in a heat that will complicate the improvement of lap times.

Qualifying and the race on Sunday will take place after dark, at 6:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m.), like free practice 2.

Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) during the 2nd free practice session of the MotoGP Qatar GP, March 3, 2022 at Losail KARIM JAAFAR AFP

Like many sports organizations since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, MotoGP is displaying the words "United for peace" during its television broadcasts this weekend.

Several pilots also wear a "Give peace a chance" sticker on their helmets.

This GP is the first of a record season of 21 races until Valencia (Spain) on November 6th.

Off track, Italian Valentino Rossi, the MotoGP icon who retired at the end of last season, announced the birth of his first child, a daughter named Giulietta, on social media on Friday.

© 2022 AFP