This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

MotoGP: 2024 Round 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar

Quali over, Martín is in another planet and gets the pole, and could've gotten a better time if not for a yellow flag. Aleix and Enea will make him company in the front row, with Binder, Pecco and Marc in the next row. Marc could almost touch the pole but a bad last sector ruined his chances, but he'll be pleased with his competitiveness. The rookie in 8th, not bad at all. The Japanese bikes still slow, with Zarco as the fastest in 13th. Bezzechi in 15th.
 
Reality sets in for Honda sadly. Like you said MB, martin is on another planet. Marquez close and the fastest GP23. Acosta doing great, wtf is going on with Bezzechi? Karma?
 
Marquez had a save on his fastest lap. They showed him losing the front in a right hander
 
I don't rate Franco highly anymore but to be fair it's his first proper weekend on the bike.
 
Not many huge surprises in qualifying .
At least Honda seems to be a little closer, wonder if they can catch up over the course of the season with the increased testing.
 
King of the sprints in first, prince of the sprints in second, logical. Promising signs for Marc in 5th, fighting for the podium, and also for Acosta in 8th. Very nice race by Aleix completing the podium. Current champ in 4th, following the script of the past season, I expect him to fight for the win tomorrow.
 
It has to suck if your Jack Miller because you're watching your seat go up in smoke in fast order.

Martin was fast as ever and it's obvious he's looking to redeem himself for how last season ended. Binder was solid as usual, he's always got serious speed in this format. Aleix is something else, I can't believe this guy used to be a perpetual backmarker. I wonder what would happen if Aprilia had a real high end rider on that bike. If aleix can get podiums on this thing surely with a better rider it could be winning? Marc had the pace to finish on the podium till he made the mistake and ran wide. He seemed to just decide to hold position after that. But impressive, he's still fast. Pecco can't afford to take his time learning the GP24. I think he needs to be on it right away tomorrow.
 
Pramac 1st and 20th! I know Frankie has missed most of testing but I feel he needs to get on the pace rapidly or Pramac will look to replace him before too long.
 
Methinks, neither Espargaro or Vinales will do anything very impressive this year. Both been around too long, okay with collecting paychecks and knowing they just how far past their prime they really are.
If Aleix is past his prime, then when exactly was his prime. I'd say 2022-present.

Encouraging to see Marc in the lead group in the sprint.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mick D and DavidSim
Not the most exciting race but yet it looks like the beginning of an exciting season. Marc was very impressive on a track he doesn't really gel with. Binda doing what Binda does. Martin is going to be hard to beat this year. The title will come down to how he preforms when things aren't perfect.
 
Bagnaia was a dud so far. All that testing hype and he's on the back foot. Glad to see Marc with some patients.
 
Martin is going to be hard to beat this year. The title will come down to how he preforms when things aren't perfect.
I wouldn't read too much into the result of the first sprint. Martin already dominated the sprints last year and often faded in the race.
Frantisek is the top favor for the title imo, he'll continue to get the golden boy treatment.
 
Just watched Q2, riveting! In spite of the location and its’s dusty reputation, I love the flowing nature of this track.

Martin picking up where he left off, riding with a point to prove, which he does, just like last year and the year before. I have a feeling this season is all going to come down to who holds best their nerve, from the first race to the last. I agree that consistency will be the deciding feature in the championship. If MM, Pecco or anybody else wants to find the limit, they had best do it in practice.

Interesting write up from Dean (I’m not usually a fan of his) on Superbike Planet about Trackhouse and their resources. What if they buy a good percentage of Piaggio, get factory bikes and sign Quartarraro? Interesting if remote chance.
Fabio would be crazy to throw his lot in with Yamaha for another contract. I like Aleix and even Mav, but both have repeatedly shown why neither one will ever really contend, even if the bike could. Aprilia need a gun on that team. They should sign Fabs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LakieLady and Faz

Recent Discussions