Contrary to usual, the Qatar GP takes place this weekend, in the final phase of the MotoGP World Championships season. It’s the penultimate round of the year at a revamped Losail circuit that could witness the crowning of the MotoGP champion.
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) holds a 13-point lead over Jorge Martín (Prima Pramac/Ducati) in the standings. The Italian will be champion if he leaves Qatar with a 37-point advantage over his rival. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team/Ducati) could secure third place, given his current 69-point lead over Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM).
In Moto2, Pedro Acosta has already secured the championship, and Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS/Kalex) has secured third place. Therefore, the major battle is for third place. Currently held by Jake Dixon (GasGas Aspar/Kalex), four other riders have mathematical chances of reaching that spot.
As for Moto3, Losail could be the stage for the crowning of Jaume Masiá (Leopard Racing/Honda). The championship leader holds a 13-point lead over Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), and if that lead extends to 25 points, he will be champion. David Alonso (GasGas Aspar), Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) also have mathematical chances to surpass Masiá, but even a victory in Losail might not be enough for them.
Below are the schedules (CET) for the Qatar GP.
Friday, November 17
12:00-12:35: P1 Moto3
12:50-13:30: P1 Moto2
13:45-14:30: FP1 MotoGP
16:15-16:50: P2 Moto3
17:05-17:45: P2 Moto2
18:00-19:00: Practice MotoGP
Saturday, November 18
11:30-12:00: P3 Moto3
12:15-12:45: P3 Moto2
13:00-13:30: FP2 MotoGP
13:40-13:55: Qualifying Q1 MotoGP
14:05-14:20: Qualifying Q2 MotoGP
15:50-16:05: Qualifying Q1 Moto3
16:15-16:30: Qualifying Q2 Moto3
16:45-17:00: Qualifying Q1 Moto2
17:10-17:25: Qualifying Q2 Moto2
18:00: Sprint MotoGP (11 laps)
Sunday, November 19
13:40-13:50: Warm-up MotoGP
15:00: Race Moto3 (18 laps)
16:15: Race Moto2 (20 laps)
18:00: Race MotoGP (22 laps)