Doha, November 06 (QNA) - Lusail International Circuit (LIC) commenced the 2026 MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar on Friday, running until November 8 and marking the 22nd edition of MotoGP™ at LIC since the circuit first hosted the championship in 2004.

This season is the last under the current 1000cc engine regulations, adding extra significance to every round, including LIC’s night race.

The first day consisted of practice sessions for all categories including the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup. In Moto4 Free Practice 1, Kotaro Togashi from Japan topped the timesheets with 2’10.930, with Qabil Irfan from Malaysia second with 2’11.596 and Bintang Pranata from Indonesia completing the top three with 2’11.904. The Moto3™ first free practice saw Maximo Quiles from CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team deliver the fastest lap at 2’04.143, followed by Joel Kelso from GRYD Racing at 2’04.936 and Marco Morelli from CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team with 2’04.992.

In the Moto2™ first free practice, Daniel Holgado from CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team set the pace with 1’56.784, followed by Celestino Vietti from BETA Tools SpeedRS Team at 1’56.923 and Izan Guevara from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 at 1’56.970.

Later in the day, the MotoGP™ first free practice was led by Marc Marquez from Ducati Lenovo Team, who recorded the fastest lap at 1’52.278. Following closely were Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia Racing at 1’52.388 and Fabio Di Giannantonio from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team at 1'52.691. 

In the second free practice of Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup, Kotaro Togashi from Japan topped the timesheets with 2’10.192, while Qabil Irfan from Malaysia came second at 2’10.411 and Noprutpong Bunprawes from Thailand finished third at 2’10.436.

During the break between track sessions, the first 200 fans to enter joined this year’s Autograph Session, giving them the opportunity to meet and collect signatures from star riders with the likes of Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, Maverick Viñales, Franco Morbidelli, Pedro Acosta, and many more. The Moto3™ Practice once again saw Maximo Quiles from CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team set the fastest lap at 2’03.172, followed by Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s David Almansa at 2’03.372 and David Muñoz at 2’03.443. In the Moto2™ Practice, Daniel Holgado from CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team KALEX claimed the top spot once again with 1’55.897, followed by Filip Salac at 1’56.096 and Izan Guevara from BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 at 1’56.136.

To conclude the day’s track action, the MotoGP™ Practice delivered a historic moment as Fabio Di Giannantonio from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team set a new all-time lap record at LIC with 1’50.406. Marc Marquez from Ducati Lenovo Team followed closely at 1’50.548, with Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia Racing third at 1’50.666.

Away from the track, the MotoGP™ Fan Zone at LIC welcomed spectators with interactive entertainment, children’s activities and a diverse selection of food and beverage options. Visitors also explored the Cultural Village, which celebrates Qatar’s heritage through traditional crafts, henna, spices, oud demonstrations and Dahrooi, a traditional Qatari game.

The MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2026 promises exciting action over the next two days. Saturday will feature qualifying sessions, the Moto2™ and Moto3™ Hero Walk, The MotoGP™ Tissot Sprint and BMW M Laps. For the first time, the MotoGP™ Fan Zone at Lusail International Circuit (LIC) will feature a dedicated podium for the Tissot Sprint, bringing the celebration of Saturday’s race straight to the fans.

Fans can be part of the moment, with the atmosphere of the podium celebration extending beyond the track and into the heart of the Fan Zone. Sunday will feature the MotoGP™ Hero Walk and Talk Show, the Moto3™ and Moto2™ races and the Opening Ceremony, ahead of the 22-lap MotoGP™ Grand Prix. (QNA)