Marquez says Bezzecchi has more pace in Qatar

Marc Marquez qualified second behind Marco Bezzecchi at the Qatar MotoGP, securing a front-row start ahead of Sunday's race. Marquez, the championship leader, acknowledged that Bezzecchi is not only fast over a single lap but also has another pace on used tyres.

Marquez needs to gain 30 points on Jorge Martin over the remaining rounds, while Bezzecchi remains in the title fight with three rounds left. This weekend, Marquez must take eight points from Bezzecchi, or seven if the Ducati rider wins the Grand Prix.

Bezzecchi set pole with two laps, and was on course to lower the lap record further until a small mistake in the last corner. Michelin says the soft rear tyre is also an option for the Sprint, and Fabio di Giannantonio said Aprilia appears to have more pace than Ducati.