Doha, Qatar: The 2025 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix Of Qatar kicked off on April 11, 2025, at the Lusail International Circuit (LIC), marking the fourth round of the 77th FIM Road Racing World Championship. This event is particularly special as it signifies the 21st edition of MotoGP at LIC, which has been hosting the championship since 2004. The opening day was filled with practice sessions across all categories, including the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, a platform for young riders in the Asia and Oceania regions.
During the first practice of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, Ryota Ogiwara from Idemitsu ATC - Japan topped the timesheets with an impressive lap time of 2'11.335. He was closely followed by his compatriots Seiryu Ikegami and Haruki Matsuyama, who clocked in at 2'12.649 and 2'13.598, respectively. This early performance sets a competitive tone for the young riders aiming to make their mark in the MotoGP World Championship.
The Moto3 category also showcased thrilling action, with David Muñoz from LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP delivering the fastest lap at 2'04.556. He was trailed by Ryusei Yamanaka from FRINSA - MT Helmets - MSI, who finished with a time of 2'04.571, and Jose Antonio Rueda from Red Bull KTM Ajo, who clocked in at 2'04.662. The competition is heating up as riders strive to secure their positions ahead of the qualifying rounds.
In the Moto2 first free practice, Manuel Gonzalez from LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP set the pace with a time of 1'57.689, followed closely by Aron Canet from Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO at 1'57.967 and Deniz Öncü from Red Bull KTM Ajo at 1'58.138. As the day progressed, the anticipation for the MotoGP category grew.
In the MotoGP's first free practice session, Marc Marquez from Ducati Lenovo Team dominated the field, securing the fastest lap with a time of 1'52.288. His performance was closely matched by Fabio Di Giannantonio from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team at 1'52.801 and Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati Lenovo Team at 1'52.871. This strong showing from Marquez and his team underscores their determination to reclaim their position as top contenders in the championship.
The second practice session for the Idemitsu Cup saw Ogiwara once again leading the charts with an improved time of 2'09.852, followed by Ikegami at 2'10.221 and Matsuyama at 2'11.080. This consistency highlights Ogiwara's potential as he continues to impress in the early stages of the competition.
In Moto3's practice session, Jose Antonio Rueda surged to the top with a lap time of 2'03.277, followed closely by Yamanaka at 2'03.521 and teammate Angel Piqueras from FRINSA - MT Helmets - MSI at 2'03.591. The battle for supremacy in Moto3 is shaping up to be an exciting one as these young talents vie for the top spots.
Meanwhile, in Moto2, Gonzalez continued his strong performance, claiming the top spot once again with a time of 1'57.073. Canet was right behind him at 1'57.095, with Daniel Holgado from CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team finishing third at 1'57.136. The competition in this category is fierce, and every millisecond counts as riders prepare for the upcoming races.
To wrap up the day's events, Franco Morbidelli from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team made a significant impact in the MotoGP practice session, posting a blistering lap of 1'50.830. Bagnaia followed closely at 1'50.975, with Marquez rounding out the top three at 1'50.997. This trio of riders is certainly one to watch as they gear up for the qualifying sessions and the main race.
The atmosphere at the Lusail International Circuit was electric, with the Fan Zone bustling with activity. Fans had the chance to engage in various entertainment options, including virtual simulators, go-karting, and live music performances. The excitement surrounding the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix Of Qatar 2025 promises to deliver thrilling racing action over the next two days, with qualifying sessions, a Sprint Race, and the main events ahead.
As the MotoGP community eagerly anticipates the next stages of this prestigious event, riders are focused on securing their positions and gathering valuable points in the championship standings. With the competition heating up, every practice lap is crucial for those looking to make their mark in the 2025 MotoGP season.
In summary, the opening day of the 2025 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix Of Qatar has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating weekend filled with fierce competition and high-speed action. Fans and teams alike are looking forward to the upcoming qualifying rounds, where strategies will be tested, and the grid positions for the main race will be determined.
