For the first time in his World Championship career, Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) will start from pole position after leaving it late to set a session topping 2:04.811. Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) came through Q1 to earn a fantastic P2, with Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) occupying the outside of the front row in P3 at the Grand Prix of Qatar.

Leaving it late to snatch pole

Fresh from finishing fastest in Q1, Sasaki was the early pacesetter in Q2 and his initial advantage stood at 0.5s – the fastest lap of the weekend at that stage. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) closed the gap to 0.2s on his second flying lap as a lot of the riders piled into pitlane, with only four riders within a second of Sasaki heading into the final five minutes.

Sasaki was towing teammate John McPhee and the British rider climbed to P5, with Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) going P4. A freight train of frantic Moto3™ riders formed behind Foggia, typical lightweight qualifying shenanigans were in play, slipstream vital for a good time in Qatar.

A gaggle of riders crossed the finish line within tenths of each other, as Guevara grabbed P1 from Sasaki. Masia claimed P3 with Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) slotting in ahead of Foggia, who slipped to P5. Yamanaka and McPhee’s strategy to go out ahead of the big group worked well as they line-up P6 and P7 for the opening race of the season, Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) set his best time on the final lap but only managed P8. Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) and quickest rookie Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) round out the top 10.


Don’t miss the first race of the season!

The opening Moto3™ race of the season promises to be a belter at the Lusail International Circuit. Tune in at 15:00 local time (GMT+3) to see who will claim the first win of the season.

Top 10:

1. Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) 2:04.811
2. Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) + 0.085
3. Jaume Masia (red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.212
4. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) + 0.363
5. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) + 0.378
6. Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) + 0.725
7. John McPhee (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) + 0.738
8. Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Asar Team) + 0.847
9. Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) + 0.872
10. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) + 0.952