The second Frenchman Johann Zarco (Ducati-Pramac), he will start 13th.

What is missing in Quartararo?

He mentions a lack of rear grip which makes his bike unstable and the numbers indicate his top speed: at best, in qualifying, his Yamaha reached 336.4 km/h, the lowest speed on the grid, far from the 349.5 km/h of the Italian Enea Bastianini (Ducati-Gresini).

Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), during the 4th free practice session of the MotoGP Qatar GP, on March 5, 2022 at Losail KARIM JAAFAR AFP

"Top speed is one thing but I'm not an engineer," sweeps the 22-year-old driver.

"The only strategy I can have is to attack at 100%. Whatever the conditions, it's the only way to be in front."

Among the favorites announced, the Spaniard Marc Marquez (Honda), who is coming out of two seasons disturbed by injuries, is doing well with his 3rd place behind Martin and Bastianini, who are starting their second season in the premier category at 24. .

"Of course I'm happy, don't hide the six-time world champion in MotoGP. The objective was to be in the first two rows but, yesterday already, I felt very good. (...) Finally, we is Saturday, it's important but the race is tomorrow."

The Spaniard feels capable of playing for the first places, not necessarily the victory... or, in any case, that's what he says!

Spaniard Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) celebrates his 3rd place, during qualifying for the Qatar GP of MotoGP, on March 5, 2022 at Losail KARIM JAAFAR AFP

"Not 100% happy"

Martin doesn't sell the bear's skin either before killing it: "It's always great to be on pole but I'm not 100% happy, assures the Ducati-Pramac rider. We miss him. a bit still in race rhythm. We have a lot of work to do tonight to find 1 or 2 tenths to fight for victory."

The second row goes to the Australian Jack Miller (Ducati) and the Spanish brothers Aleix and Pol Espargaro, the first for Aprilia and the second for Honda.

Disappointment, on the other hand, for the Suzukis who had dominated free practice: the Spaniard Joan Mir ranked 8th in qualifying, between the South African Brad Binder (KTM) and Bagnaia, and his compatriot Alex Rins is only 10th out of 24.

Spanish rider Joan Mir (Suzuki), after the 2nd free practice session of the MotoGP Qatar GP, on March 4, 2022 at Losail KARIM JAAFAR AFP

It remains to be seen whether they will be able to do better over the duration of a race, as Qartararo or Bagnaia can also hope.

In Moto2 and Moto3, the first poles of the season were awarded to Italian Celestino Vietti (Kalex) and Spaniard Izan Guevara (GASGAS).

There will be twenty more in this record-breaking 21-race season until Valencia (Spain) on November 6th.

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.

In parallel, on Saturday, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) confirmed the cancellation of all the events it supervises in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and announced the ban for Russian and Belarusian riders, teams and officials from take part in the events it oversees.

© 2022 AFP