Marquez eyes title as Yamaha skips Qatar GP

Free practice for the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail begins at 12:45 p.m. Italian time, with the event having been in doubt for a long time over the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Yamaha has decided not to travel to the Grand Prix with either its factory team or Pramac, leaving four bikes off the grid.

Ducati's Marc Marquez arrives in Qatar with a 44-point lead over Jorge Martin and 67 over Marco Bezzecchi, and has the chance to clinch the world title. Martin is attempting a return from a fractured right radius suffered at Phillip Island, after a failed attempt at Sepang, and must pass a medical check before riding.

Alex Marquez and Joan Mir are absent, replaced by Iker Lecuona and Jake Dixon respectively, while Fermin Aldeguer returns on the Gresini Ducati. The second practice session at 5:00 p.m. Italian time will determine the ten riders advancing directly to Q2.