DOHA (Qatar): Expectation was high ahead of the season-opening Qatar GP and, if anything, it’s even higher as MotoGP returns to Losail International Circuit for the TISSOT Grand Prix of Doha tomorrow.
There’s plenty to look forward to in the second event that sees the grid arrive with one man in the crosshairs: Maverick Vinales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).
As wins go, Vinales’ first of the year was definitely a hard-earned one, as well as his second at Losail. From lights out it was an all-Ducati affair at the front in the initial stages, leaving the eventual winner with plenty of work to do.
Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and reigning Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) will be eager to try and bridge that gap or leapfrog Vinales.
Mir especially will take heart from an impressive Sunday despite some struggles earlier in the first race weekend of the year.
Enea Bastianini (Esponsorama Racing) starts the second race weekend of the year as top rookie following an impressive top ten, and he’ll know what went right and what could go better.
Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) will also be able to look through the numbers from bikes on the podium, and the Spaniard will likely also have taken more than just another glance at his stunning race start, gaining ten places in the blink of an eye.
Repeating that but making it stick a little longer is the name of the game. Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Esponsorama) will want more too, the Italian’s progress steadier so far.
(Source: MotoGP)
