MotoGP | Qatar GP Tests: Raul Fernandez surprisingly leads, Di Giannantonio is second

MotoGP GP Qatar Tests – Raul Fernandez was the fastest in the only qualifying session valid for direct access to Q2 of the MotoGP class Qatar Grand Prix, the 19th round of the 2023 MotoGP championship scheduled at the Lusail International Circuit.

Surprisingly, the Aprilia rider, Team SAT RNF, took the 2022 version RS-GP into the lead with a time of 1:52.843, putting it ahead of the Team Gresini Ducati of a great Fabio Di Giannantonio, trailing by just 49 thousandths.

Third time for Maverick Vinales, who saw his best time and track record taken away due to a yellow flag. The performance of #12 confirms the goodness of the Venetian manufacturer's bike on tracks with little grip, with Aleix Espargarò placing the second RS-GP Factory in fifth position, behind the KTM of South African Brad Binder.

Sixth time for Luca Marini, with the Ducati Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider ever closer to moving to Repsol Honda. The Pesaro rider precedes Jorge Martin on Ducati Pramac and the leader of the world championship standings Pecco Bagnaia, who, we remind you, has a 14 point lead over the Spaniard in the standings.

Augusto Fernandez with the KTM of Team GASGAS and Marc Marquez also directly access Q2, with the eight-time world champion reaching the Top Ten by just 14 thousandths of an advantage over Jack Miller (KTM).

Franco Morbidelli on the Yamaha Factory finished 13th, while Marco Bezzecchi on the Ducati of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team was 15th.

Sepang winner Enea Bastianini is behind, only 18th with the second Ducati Factory, while Fabio Quartararo with the second Ducati Factory is second to last, 1.417s from the top.