DOHA: Fabio Di Giannantonio set a new all-time lap record at Lusail International Circuit (LIC) as the 2026 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar got underway on Friday, November 6.
The Italian rider, representing Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, clocked 1:50.406 in MotoGP Practice to top the timesheets and rewrite the circuit’s lap record. Ducati Lenovo Team’s Marc Marquez finished second in 1:50.548, followed by Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi in 1:50.666.
The three-day event runs until November 8, marking the 22nd edition of MotoGP at Lusail since the circuit first hosted the championship in 2004. The 2026 season is also the final one under the current 1000cc engine regulations, adding further significance to this year’s championship.
Strong Performances Across All Categories
Friday’s programme featured practice sessions across all categories, including the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup.
In Moto4 Free Practice 1, Japan’s Kotaro Togashi led the field with 2:10.930, ahead of Malaysia’s Qabil Irfan (2:11.596) and Indonesia’s Bintang Pranata (2:11.904).
CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team’s Maximo Quiles topped Moto3 Free Practice 1 with 2:04.143. Joel Kelso was second in 2:04.936, while Marco Morelli took third in 2:04.992.
In Moto2, Daniel Holgado of CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team set the fastest time of 1:56.784. Celestino Vietti followed in 1:56.923, with Izan Guevara third in 1:56.970.
Di Giannantonio Leads MotoGP Practice
The opening MotoGP free practice session saw Marc Marquez lead with a time of 1:52.278, followed by Bezzecchi (1:52.388) and Di Giannantonio (1:52.691).
However, Di Giannantonio raised the pace in the later Practice session, setting the new circuit lap record of 1:50.406.
Marquez remained close behind, while Bezzecchi completed the top three.
Togashi and Quiles Continue to Impress
Togashi maintained his strong form in the second Moto4 Asia Cup free practice, topping the session in 2:10.192. Irfan finished second in 2:10.411, while Thailand’s Noprutpong Bunprawes was third in 2:10.436.
Quiles also continued his impressive showing in Moto3 Practice, recording the fastest lap of 2:03.172. David Almansa finished second in 2:03.372, followed by David Muñoz in 2:03.443.
In Moto2 Practice, Holgado again topped the timesheets with 1:55.897. Filip Salac secured second in 1:56.096, while Guevara finished third in 1:56.136.
Fans Meet MotoGP Stars at Autograph Session
Off the track, the first 200 fans to enter the circuit had the opportunity to meet some of MotoGP’s biggest names during the official autograph session.
Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, Maverick Viñales, Franco Morbidelli and Pedro Acosta were among the riders who interacted with fans and signed autographs.
The MotoGP Fan Zone also offered interactive entertainment, children’s activities and a variety of food and beverage options.
The Cultural Village provided visitors with an opportunity to experience Qatari heritage through traditional crafts, henna, spices, oud demonstrations and the traditional Dahrooi game.
Qualifying and Sprint Action on Saturday
The action continues on Saturday, November 7, with qualifying sessions across the categories, alongside the Moto2 and Moto3 Hero Walk.
The programme will also feature the highly anticipated MotoGP Tissot Sprint and BMW M Laps as riders prepare for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
