Bezzecchi takes Qatar Sprint pole with new lap record

Marco Bezzecchi will lead the field into the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint Race at Lusail after setting a new outright lap record in qualifying, beating Marc Marquez by 0.266 seconds. Marquez starts second, Fabio Di Giannantonio third, and Raul Fernandez fourth, with Ai Ogura sixth, giving Aprilia a strong showing on the front two rows. Francesco Bagnaia starts fifth on his Ducati between the two Aprilia riders.

Jorge Martin, the reigning world champion returning from a wrist injury sustained at Phillip Island, could only manage eleventh-fastest, meaning he starts from the fourth row. The race is 11 laps, and Martin enters the weekend 44 points behind Marquez in the championship standings.

Marquez could mathematically clinch his tenth world title as early as Sunday's race. Pedro Acosta, eighth on the grid, is also one to watch in a race where early positions could prove decisive.