Marquez starts second as Bezzecchi takes Qatar MotoGP pole

Marc Marquez can secure an eighth premier class title at the Qatar Grand Prix in Lusail if he finishes 75 points ahead of Marco Bezzecchi and 74 points ahead of Jorge Martin. Bezzecchi starts from pole position and must out-score Marquez by five points to stay mathematically in contention after retiring from the Sprint. Martin starts 11th but finished third in the Sprint, and any points for him keep the title race alive heading to Portimao in a couple of weeks.

A win for Marquez would be his third premier class victory in Qatar, his second in a row, his eighth grand prix win of the season and his 107th overall. Fabio Di Giannantonio, who finished second in the Sprint and topped Warm Up, completes the front row.

Francesco Bagnaia is absent after breaking two bones in his foot in his Sprint crash with Fermin Aldeguer. Maverick Vinales is a doubt, having suggested he could withdraw, although he rode in Warm Up. Luca Marini has withdrawn from the weekend due to illness.