The exciting action in MotoGP will take place in Qatar this weekend, with some of the best riders in the world in action. It promises to be a compelling event on the MotoGP schedule, and there will be a number of drivers in with a chance of claiming the race win to edge up the classifications. You can find out more about the Qatar MotoGP race here.
Event History
The Qatar MotoGP was staged for the first in 2004, and the Lusail International Circuit plays host the event. This race has formed the opening race of the MotoGP season throughout recent history, and that will remain the case until at least 2031 when the current deal expires.
Jorge Lorenzo is the most successful driver in the history of the race, with the Spanish star having landed victory on six previous occasions. Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi are the most successful riders in the MotoGP event, with both superstars having recorded four wins.
Season-Opening Race
The Qatar MotoGP has formed the opening race of the season throughout recent history, meaning that there will be emphasis on the teams to showcase their pace for the season ahead.
That was very much the case for Fabio Di Giannatonio last season, as the Ducati rider landed a dominant success to put an early marker down for the campaign. The win was the second straight success for Ducati in the race, with four of the last five editions of the race having also been manufactured by the team.
Pressure On World Contenders
There will be increased pressure on the riders that will be looking to mount a challenge for the Riders’ Championship on the opening weekend. The defending champion coming into the new season is Francesco Bagnaia, who was sensational throughout the previous season.
The Italian rider landed victories in seven of the races to finish clear on points from the leading contenders. He is already a leading contender in the betting with BetXchange to successfully defend his honour this term, as he is currently available at 15/10.
Chasing Pack
Marc Marquez is also a short price in the outright betting to win the World Championship this season. The Spanish rider could only finish 14th in the standings last term, but he recovered well from a slow start for team Repsoi Honda. But, it’s likely that he will need to avoid as many retirements as he endured throughout the previous campaign.
Jorge Martin could be the most realistic danger to the current favourite in the betting. He was the closest contender in the Riders’ standings last term, with the Spanish star winning four of the races. However, his championship bid ultimately fell short after a retirement in the last race of the season.
Qatar MotoGP Prediction
It should be a thrilling start to the season, and there are no shortage of leading contenders who could be in the hunt for a race victory. However, we will be happy to take a chance on Marco Bezzecchi, who has historically started seasons in fine form.
