MotoGP | GP Qatar Qualifying: Marini, record pole, Di Giannantonio is second

MotoGP GP Qatar Qualifying – Amazing pole position by Luca Marini at the Lusail International Circuit, scene of the MotoGP class Qatar Grand Prix, 19th round of the 2023 MotoGP.

The Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider took his Ducati to the top right under the checkered flag, beating the great Fabio di Giannantonio by just 67 thousandths, with the Roman Gresini Racing rider still without a saddle with a view to 2024.

For Marini it is the second pole in the Top Class, sixth in his career, while for Ducati it is the 88th pole in the premier class.

Also on the front row was Alex Marquez, who "stopped" 0.136s from pole on the second Gresini Racing Desmosedici.

The leader of the world championship standings Pecco Bagnaia finished fourth and at every outing he was attacked by Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda who then finished seventh, ed.), who seems to have taken the #1 Ducati as his "shot" in every session. The Piedmontese driver preceded his rival Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) in the title race, who in turn preceded his team-mate Johann Zarco.

In the third row the aforementioned Marc Marquez, Maverick Vinales (Aprilia) and Raul Fernandez (Aprilia SAT RNF). Fourth row for Aleix Espargarò (Aprilia), Brad Binder (KTM) and Augusto Fernandez (KTM Team GASGAS).

Among the others, Marco Bezzecchi (Ducati Mooney VR1 Racing Team) who will start from 46th place, Fabio Quartataro (Yamaha Factory) 13th, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Factory, hindered by Iker Lecuona in his fast and very angry lap) failed to get through Q14. with the Team LCR rider, ed.) 15th and Franco Morbidelli (Yamaha Factory) 18th.

Aleix Espargarò was then penalized six positions and a 10.000 euro fine due to unsportsmanlike behavior towards Franco Morbidelli, a maneuver which occurred in free practice (Click here to see the video).