"What's frustrating is that I'm really giving my all. I'm really here to get a good result and I finish ninth on a circuit on which I won last year", laments Quartararo, handicapped by a tire pressure problem and the low top speed of his Yamaha (the 20th out of 24 riders in the race).

"It hurts but you have to stay strong. The most important thing is to keep in mind that, regardless of the position, you give your all and today, honestly, I couldn't do better. So he's going to have to find a solution."

Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, riding his Yamaha, during the Qatar Grand Prix in MotoGP, March 6, 2022 on the Losail circuit KARIM JAAFAR AFP

Starting thirteenth on the Losail circuit, the first Frenchman, Johann Zarco (Ducati-Pramac), finished eighth.

Behind an unexpected podium completed by the South African Brad Binder (KTM) and the Spaniard Pol Espargaro (Honda), the first of the favorites is the Spaniard Marc Marquez (Honda), fifth after two seasons disturbed by injuries.

The joy of Italian Enea Bastianini, after winning the Qatar Grand Prix, his first victory in MotoGP, ahead of South African Brad Binder (KTM) and Spaniard Pol Espargaro (Honda), on March 6, 2022 on the Losail circuit KARIM JAAFAR AFP

The Italian Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), vice-world champion, for his part fell, taking with him the Spanish poleman Jorge Martin (Ducati-Pramac), when both were already out of the race for the podium.

Second on the starting grid and still well placed during the race, Bastianini took control from Espargaro four laps from the finish.

The 24-year-old Italian, crowned in Moto2 in 2020, confirms the hopes born of his two podiums (two third places) won during his first season in MotoGP in 2021.

"Everyone cried"

"My current feeling is incredible. I attacked from the start but the most important thing was to preserve the tires for the end, says Bastianini. At the end, I was very close to Pol and I understood that I could try to win the race. I overtook him at the first corner... It's hard to say more at the moment."

Italian Enea Bastianini, riding his Ducati-Gresini, during the Qatar Grand Prix in MotoGP, March 6, 2022 on the Losail circuit KARIM JAAFAR AFP

The winner dedicates his success to his team's former boss, former driver Fausto Gresini, who died of Covid-19 in February 2021: "It's fantastic for the team, I think everyone cried. ."

Italian Enea Bastianini celebrates his victory in the Qatar Grand Prix in MotoGP, with the owner of the Ducati-Gresini team, Nadi Padovani, on March 6, 2022 at the Losail circuit KARIM JAAFAR AFP

Fourth position went to Spaniard Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia).

The Suzukis of Spaniards Joan Mir and Alex Rins, 6th and 7th, continued to disappoint after convincing free practice.

In Moto2 and Moto3, the victories went to two other Italians, Celestino Vietti (Kalex) and Andrea Migno (Honda).

The next GP of this record season of 21 races to Valencia (Spain) on November 6 is unprecedented: it will be held in Indonesia, on the Mandalika circuit, on March 20.

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

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

© 2022 AFP