Dovizioso, Rossi, Marquez: the top three in FP1

Battle has commenced as action opens at Losail International Circuit

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) went fastest in FP1 in Qatar, showing good form to start the season – the first in which he says he can be called a title contender from Day 1. But compatriot and recently re-signed Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was incredibly close in second, just 0.061 off the top after having led the way.

Third was reigning Champion and Dovizioso’s key rival last season, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), as the FP1 gives us the first taste of what is sure to be another tantalizing season of action with Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) and Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) locking out the top six.

Check out the full timesheets here! FP2 starts at 19:05 local time (GMT +3).