Bezzecchi takes pole in Qatar as Marquez starts from the front row

Marco Bezzecchi secured pole position for the Qatar MotoGP round, beating title leader Marc Marquez to the top spot in qualifying. Bezzecchi left the Sprint empty-handed after a collision with Marquez, while his injured Aprilia team-mate Jorge Martin finished third. Marquez therefore has his first title chance in Sunday's grand prix, but he needs to win and hope Martin fails to score. Bezzecchi must beat Marquez by at least five points to stay in title contention heading to Portimao.

Fabio di Giannantonio, runner-up in the Sprint, completes the front row. Francesco Bagnaia, qualified fifth, is expected to miss the race after suffering foot fractures when hit by Fermin Aldeguer in the Sprint. He has been taken to hospital to determine whether surgery is required. Yamaha is not participating due to company-wide travel restrictions, reducing the grid to 17 riders. The race starts at 7:00pm local time, 4:00pm UK.