{"id":2242940,"date":"2026-11-06T19:47:54","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T16:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2242940"},"modified":"2026-11-06T19:47:54","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T16:47:54","slug":"motogp-qatar-grand-prix-what-we-learned-after-friday-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2242940","title":{"rendered":"MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix: What we learned after Friday practice"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix: What we learned after Friday practice<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Marc Marquez has his first match point in the 2026 title battle at the Qatar Grand Prix. But he faces threats from all sides as both Aprilia and a stable of Ducatis look like they have podium pace following Friday practice. Meanwhile, all appears calm as the Middle East holds its breath on what direction the Iran war may take next in the wake of the US mid-term elections\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Duncan <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-11-06T19:47:54+00:00\">06 Nov 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez, Fabio Di&#8217;Giannantonio, Qatar MotoGP, 6 November\u2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<aside>\n<div class=\"preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div>  Prefer Crash.Net on Google <\/div>\n<div> See our stories more often<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"button\">  Add <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>MotoGP title-deciders are uncomfortable experiences for those at the forefront for a number of reasons. But there hasn\u2019t been a potential championship-deciding race held under such circumstances as the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Suzuki and Joan Mir faced the unprecedented scenario of their championship-deciding Valencia Grand Prix in 2020 being derailed by a positive COVID-19 test.<\/p>\n<p>But never has an active war threatened a rider\u2019s potential coronation in the MotoGP World Championship\u2019s nearly 80-year history. That\u2019s the situation Ducati and Marc Marquez face this weekend in Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>After a week of increasingly aggressive back-and-forth between the riders &#8211; 19 of whom signed a letter stating they did not want to race in Qatar &#8211; and MotoGP, the championship\u2019s strong-arming over contracts and a threat of sanctions had its desired effect: the paddock, for the most part reluctantly, is in Lusail.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Fabio Di Giannantonio, 2026 MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Almost, anyway. Yamaha stood firm by its company\u2019s Middle East travel policy and pulled both of its teams, as well as their four riders, out of the event. Consequences are set to follow, but what those will look like remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<p>Championship leader Marquez arrived late to the paddock on Thursday. He says it was always his intention to get there at the last possible moment, and he intends to leave as soon as he can after Sunday\u2019s grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>This situation is likely to lead to fairly muted celebrations if Marquez does win the championship on Sunday night.<\/p>\n<p>For the time being, thankfully, all has gone off without a problem. That\u2019s nothing MotoGP, nor the race organisers, can take much credit for. The Republicans took a hammering in this week\u2019s mid-term elections in the US. Senior members of the party are openly blaming the war in Iran for their defeat in Democrats taking back control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s likely played into wider reports of talks of mediation between Iran and the US kicking up a gear over the last few days. President Trump hasn\u2019t ruled out fresh strikes on Iran, but the anticipated intense escalation in the conflict, which forced the Qatar Grand Prix from its original April slot, has not arrived.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>MotoGP, for now, has been lucky. But wars are not predictable, and there is still a long way to go before the paddock can get itself out of the danger zone.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table dir=\"ltr\" class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\" rowspan=\"1\"><strong>2926 Qatar MotoGP: Outright best laps per brand in Practice<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Time<\/td>\n<td>Rider<\/td>\n<td>Position\u00a0<\/td>\n<td>Difference<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>1m50.406s<\/td>\n<td>Fabio Di Giannantonio<\/td>\n<td>1st<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m50.666s<\/td>\n<td>Marco Bezzecchi<\/td>\n<td>3rd<\/td>\n<td>0.260s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m51.024s<\/td>\n<td>Enea Bastianini<\/td>\n<td>6th<\/td>\n<td>0.618s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1m51.301s<\/td>\n<td>Johann Zarco<\/td>\n<td>8th<\/td>\n<td>0.895s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Bezzecchi is stepping up on his must-win weekend<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The maths for Marquez to win the championship this weekend is pretty simple: he must outscore Jorge Martin by 30 points, and gain eight points over Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s something of a tragedy that Bezzecchi, 102 points clear of Marquez after an Italian Grand Prix win in May that strengthened his grip on the championship lead, now faces elimination from contention by such a meagre amount.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Qatar MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But he\u2019s not going down without a fight. Throughout both sessions, Bezzecchi looked to be in a groove on his RS-GP. The Qatar track suits the RS-GP and Bezzecchi was strong, albeit cautious.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is still a lot to do in the time attack, but we also need to try to find a little consistency and precision in terms of pace,\u201d he summarised at the end of Practice. He\u2019s right that he needs to find a bit in time attack, but not much. He was 0.260s off the pace set by Fabio Di Giannantonio, and even closer to Marquez.<\/p>\n<p>Consistency was something all Aprilia riders seemed to struggle with during their running on Friday. But Bezzecchi was the exception. In our analysis, based on a five-lap stint of representative laps (so no cancelled times or non-push laps) on a fresh soft tyre, he was the quickest of the below table on a 1m51.557s.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table dir=\"ltr\" class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"6\" rowspan=\"1\"><strong>2026 Qatar MotoGP: Practice top 10 pace analysis<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rider<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Pace<\/td>\n<td>Tyre<\/td>\n<td>Stint<\/td>\n<td>Laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fabio Di Giannantonio<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.575s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>3 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marc Marquez<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.437s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>3 laps<\/td>\n<td>9 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marco Bezzecchi<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m51.557s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>5 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pecco Bagnaia<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.557s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>6 laps<\/td>\n<td>12 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Raul Fernandez<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.905s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>8 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Enea Bastianini<\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m53.292s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>5 laps<\/td>\n<td>10 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Jorge Martin<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.751s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>7 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Johann Zarco<\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1m53.142s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>4 laps<\/td>\n<td>8 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ai Ogura<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.244s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Brad Binder<\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m53.703s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>4 laps<\/td>\n<td>10 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>While the Ducati duo ahead of him were on the medium tyre, Bezzecchi\u2019s running on a fresh medium was equally as quick. Bezzecchi is looking strong. And, more concerningly, he has absolutely nothing to lose.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez acknowledged this when he spoke about his day: \u201cI mean, still I feel that it\u2019s [the title] far, especially because Bezzecchi, as we see, is pushing and riding in a very good way. [He has] nothing to lose; he will push all the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot to be said about how the pressure of battling Marquez for a title ultimately crumbled Bezzecchi\u2019s hopes as this season unfolded. Equally, however, when there was no pressure of a championship charge on his shoulders in those early rounds, the Italian was absolutely magical.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s unlikely to win the title, but he can certainly delay Marquez\u2019s bid in Qatar, while reminding everyone of what he is still capable of &#8211; and can be capable of in 2027, providing he has learned some valuable lessons.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Martin\u2019s perseverance remains admirable<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Jorge Martin left the Lusail circuit in an ambulance the last time he visited the track in 2025, after suffering injuries he thought would kill him. Now he returns, albeit battered and bruised, with a MotoGP title on the line.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Martin, 2026 Qatar MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Admittedly, it\u2019s a title charge that is slipping away from him. The wrist injury he picked up in Australia has healed to the point where he can use his toothbrush again and, more importantly, ride an Aprilia RS-GP with some decent speed.<\/p>\n<p>Martin was seventh at the end of the day. Typically this season, we\u2019ve seen a slower start for Martin on Fridays before he makes a big step on Saturday. That will likely be the case again, though his wrist will be the limiting factor.<\/p>\n<p>His race running is hard to read, as his runs in Practice were highly inconsistent. As such, his 1m52.751s average likely isn\u2019t representative, but he is also playing catch-up to Bezzecchi and the Ducatis ahead of him.<\/p>\n<p>The crash itself from Phillip Island is continuing to have an impact on him: \u201cThe loss of confidence after the crash in Australia has been significant. This morning, although the feeling wasn\u2019t bad, I didn\u2019t have that extra bit of power to push in the corners,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>That feeling did improve, but it also suggests that another fall could just dent his confidence again at the worst possible moment.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-218a999fe9c182493dd778991992eafa8d34c9b1897fb881fa82f976d159e3dc\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Marc Marquez warns Qatar MotoGP title chance \u201cstill far\u201d after Friday practice<\/li>\n<li>Jorge Martin \u201cproud\u201d of Qatar MotoGP comeback: \u201cI almost don&#8217;t feel the pain\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>At this stage, if he keeps Marquez\u2019s points haul to below 30, he is largely going to be delaying the inevitable. However, an extra week to recover his wrist before going to a track in Portimao that he is strong at, Marquez isn\u2019t, and the Aprilia suits well, you just never know what might happen.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>If Ducati has team orders, now may be the time to enforce them<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Marquez\u2019s double in Qatar last year was a significant early moment in the 2025 season and his march to a seventh MotoGP title.<\/p>\n<p>This time around, it holds even more significance as the place where he could beat Valentino Rossi\u2019s tally of seven titles and become the 10-time champion across all classes the former believes was an accolade stolen from him by Marquez in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Ironically, Marquez may be denied his coronation in Qatar by two VR46-affiliated Ducati riders.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 2026 Qatar MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Fabio Di Giannantonio has been battling a considerable power deficit, with his VR46 team reckoning he\u2019s down about 30hp, which is costing him 10-12km\/h on the straights. He hid it pretty well on Friday, as he led the way with a new lap record.<\/p>\n<p>Qatar is a great circuit for Di Giannantonio, who scored a career-saving maiden victory in 2023 on a Gresini-run Ducati. His race running was very similar to Marquez\u2019s on Friday, with the latter slightly faster.<\/p>\n<p>I think we lost some sense of what Marquez\u2019s pace should look like due to the broken chain he suffered midway through Practice. But Di Giannantonio is very much in the game. As is Pecco Bagnaia, somewhat more surprisingly.<\/p>\n<p>For just the second time this side of the summer break, Bagnaia earned direct passage into Q2. Over a single lap, Bagnaia is a front row threat right now, having ended the day fourth overall. In terms of race pace, he\u2019s on the same level as Di Giannantonio and Marquez.<\/p>\n<p>The subject of team orders has been a hot topic across Aprilia and Ducati lately. There has been no suggestion from either camp that team orders are on the table.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, if ever there was a weekend to deploy them, Ducati may want to start seriously considering a plan given Marquez doesn\u2019t appear to be the clear leading rider for the brand right now\u2026<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Never miss an update.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Stay up to speed with the latest MotoGP news and analysis, delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-field-keywords block-layout-builder\">\n<h2>Tags:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Marc Marquez<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Marco Bezzecchi<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Jorge Martin<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3> Previous <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> di Giannantonio hints at \u201cmistakes\u201d after \u201cbittersweet\u201d Qatar MotoGP lap record <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Jake Dixon finds MotoGP speed after Qatar crash, credits \u201cpain\u201d Cal Crutchlow <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-eeb98c1b867a4da4015bb9d0f54872f8bec857910bb275eae9f0006f29526022\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/img_8107.JPG?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/img_8107.JPG?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/img_8107.JPG?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Duncan<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Head of Editorial<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<div>Lewis joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having been a journalist for five years covering MotoGP for the Motorsport Network. In February of 2026, he became Head of Editorial.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-0711bfa1a6abd23017f00f1be218930708eea5ae90a8ae6bcd9da524888226a5\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix: Which riders are in Q2?<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Qatar MotoGP. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez suffers bike issue in Qatar MotoGP Practice, Di Giannantonio fastest<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360372_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 2026 Qatar MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Qatar MotoGP, Lusail &#8211; Friday Practice Results<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360212_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Fabio di Giannantonio, 2026 Qatar MotoGP. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aprilia provides Jorge Martin update after Qatar MotoGP practice return<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360118_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing, 2026 Qatar MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez leads Qatar MotoGP FP1 as title shot looms<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360176_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 2026 Qatar MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Drug lord\u2019s bike collection featuring Valentino Rossi MotoGP bikes heads to auction<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/site-image-resize-2026-11-06t121651.803.png?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ryan Wedding seized motorcycle collection. Photo credit: FBI Los Angeles.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-f7dc93df9f514587cd4fe66a9068e4b4520c318645a1fef697290d5e9d572402\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Pecco Bagnaia \u201cfeels like a factory rider again\u201d after Qatar MotoGP practice<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793995731\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360102_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360102_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360102_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jake Dixon finds MotoGP speed after Qatar crash, credits \u201cpain\u201d Cal Crutchlow<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793994946\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360396_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360396_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360396_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>di Giannantonio hints at \u201cmistakes\u201d after \u201cbittersweet\u201d Qatar MotoGP lap record<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793992606\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez warns Qatar MotoGP title chance \u201cstill far\u201d after Friday practice<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793991093\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jorge Martin \u201cproud\u201d of Qatar MotoGP comeback: \u201cI almost don&#8217;t feel the pain\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793990926\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360381_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360381_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360381_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"main-lists block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Never miss an update.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Stay up to speed with the latest MotoGP news and analysis, delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-a2bdbd11d39c36b92293433b27ede2c1bb9ba94e6d146daa963fe24932ea9808\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Toto Wolff takes swipe at MotoGP riders \u2018who know nothing\u2019 over Qatar standoff<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793989500\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/xpb_1447156_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/xpb_1447156_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/xpb_1447156_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fabio Di Giannantonio tops Qatar MotoGP Practice while missing \u201caround 30 horsepower\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793987581\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez suffers bike issue in Qatar MotoGP Practice, Di Giannantonio fastest<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793984896\"> 4h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360372_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360372_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360372_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>KTM MotoGP rider continues push for change to \u201cnot fair\u201d test rules<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793976545\"> 6h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319240_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319240_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319240_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aprilia provides Jorge Martin update after Qatar MotoGP practice return<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1793971168\"> 8h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360118_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360118_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360118_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Marc Marquez has his first match point in the 2026 title battle at the Qatar Grand Prix. But he faces threats from all sides as both Aprilia and a stable of Ducatis look like they have podium pace following Friday practice. Meanwhile, all appears calm as the Middle East holds its breath on what direction the Iran war may take next in the wake of the US mid-term elections\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>MotoGP title-deciders are uncomfortable experiences for those at the forefront for a number of reasons. But there hasn\u2019t been a potential championship-deciding race held under such circumstances as the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Suzuki and Joan Mir faced the unprecedented scenario of their championship-deciding Valencia Grand Prix in 2020 being derailed by a positive COVID-19 test.<\/p>\n<p>But never has an active war threatened a rider\u2019s potential coronation in the MotoGP World Championship\u2019s nearly 80-year history. That\u2019s the situation Ducati and Marc Marquez face this weekend in Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>After a week of increasingly aggressive back-and-forth between the riders &#8211; 19 of whom signed a letter stating they did not want to race in Qatar &#8211; and MotoGP, the championship\u2019s strong-arming over contracts and a threat of sanctions had its desired effect: the paddock, for the most part reluctantly, is in Lusail.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Fabio Di Giannantonio, 2026 MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Almost, anyway. Yamaha stood firm by its company\u2019s Middle East travel policy and pulled both of its teams, as well as their four riders, out of the event. Consequences are set to follow, but what those will look like remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<p>Championship leader Marquez arrived late to the paddock on Thursday. He says it was always his intention to get there at the last possible moment, and he intends to leave as soon as he can after Sunday\u2019s grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>This situation is likely to lead to fairly muted celebrations if Marquez does win the championship on Sunday night.<\/p>\n<p>For the time being, thankfully, all has gone off without a problem. That\u2019s nothing MotoGP, nor the race organisers, can take much credit for. The Republicans took a hammering in this week\u2019s mid-term elections in the US. Senior members of the party are openly blaming the war in Iran for their defeat in Democrats taking back control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s likely played into wider reports of talks of mediation between Iran and the US kicking up a gear over the last few days. President Trump hasn\u2019t ruled out fresh strikes on Iran, but the anticipated intense escalation in the conflict, which forced the Qatar Grand Prix from its original April slot, has not arrived.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>MotoGP, for now, has been lucky. But wars are not predictable, and there is still a long way to go before the paddock can get itself out of the danger zone.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table dir=\"ltr\" class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\" rowspan=\"1\"><strong>2926 Qatar MotoGP: Outright best laps per brand in Practice<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Time<\/td>\n<td>Rider<\/td>\n<td>Position\u00a0<\/td>\n<td>Difference<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>1m50.406s<\/td>\n<td>Fabio Di Giannantonio<\/td>\n<td>1st<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m50.666s<\/td>\n<td>Marco Bezzecchi<\/td>\n<td>3rd<\/td>\n<td>0.260s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m51.024s<\/td>\n<td>Enea Bastianini<\/td>\n<td>6th<\/td>\n<td>0.618s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1m51.301s<\/td>\n<td>Johann Zarco<\/td>\n<td>8th<\/td>\n<td>0.895s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Bezzecchi is stepping up on his must-win weekend<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The maths for Marquez to win the championship this weekend is pretty simple: he must outscore Jorge Martin by 30 points, and gain eight points over Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s something of a tragedy that Bezzecchi, 102 points clear of Marquez after an Italian Grand Prix win in May that strengthened his grip on the championship lead, now faces elimination from contention by such a meagre amount.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Qatar MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But he\u2019s not going down without a fight. Throughout both sessions, Bezzecchi looked to be in a groove on his RS-GP. The Qatar track suits the RS-GP and Bezzecchi was strong, albeit cautious.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is still a lot to do in the time attack, but we also need to try to find a little consistency and precision in terms of pace,\u201d he summarised at the end of Practice. He\u2019s right that he needs to find a bit in time attack, but not much. He was 0.260s off the pace set by Fabio Di Giannantonio, and even closer to Marquez.<\/p>\n<p>Consistency was something all Aprilia riders seemed to struggle with during their running on Friday. But Bezzecchi was the exception. In our analysis, based on a five-lap stint of representative laps (so no cancelled times or non-push laps) on a fresh soft tyre, he was the quickest of the below table on a 1m51.557s.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table dir=\"ltr\" class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"6\" rowspan=\"1\"><strong>2026 Qatar MotoGP: Practice top 10 pace analysis<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rider<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Pace<\/td>\n<td>Tyre<\/td>\n<td>Stint<\/td>\n<td>Laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fabio Di Giannantonio<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.575s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>3 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marc Marquez<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.437s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>3 laps<\/td>\n<td>9 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marco Bezzecchi<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m51.557s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>5 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pecco Bagnaia<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.557s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>6 laps<\/td>\n<td>12 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Raul Fernandez<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.905s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>8 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Enea Bastianini<\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m53.292s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>5 laps<\/td>\n<td>10 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Jorge Martin<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.751s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>7 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Johann Zarco<\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1m53.142s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>4 laps<\/td>\n<td>8 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ai Ogura<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.244s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Brad Binder<\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m53.703s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>4 laps<\/td>\n<td>10 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>While the Ducati duo ahead of him were on the medium tyre, Bezzecchi\u2019s running on a fresh medium was equally as quick. Bezzecchi is looking strong. And, more concerningly, he has absolutely nothing to lose.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez acknowledged this when he spoke about his day: \u201cI mean, still I feel that it\u2019s [the title] far, especially because Bezzecchi, as we see, is pushing and riding in a very good way. [He has] nothing to lose; he will push all the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot to be said about how the pressure of battling Marquez for a title ultimately crumbled Bezzecchi\u2019s hopes as this season unfolded. Equally, however, when there was no pressure of a championship charge on his shoulders in those early rounds, the Italian was absolutely magical.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s unlikely to win the title, but he can certainly delay Marquez\u2019s bid in Qatar, while reminding everyone of what he is still capable of &#8211; and can be capable of in 2027, providing he has learned some valuable lessons.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Martin\u2019s perseverance remains admirable<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Jorge Martin left the Lusail circuit in an ambulance the last time he visited the track in 2025, after suffering injuries he thought would kill him. Now he returns, albeit battered and bruised, with a MotoGP title on the line.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Martin, 2026 Qatar MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Admittedly, it\u2019s a title charge that is slipping away from him. The wrist injury he picked up in Australia has healed to the point where he can use his toothbrush again and, more importantly, ride an Aprilia RS-GP with some decent speed.<\/p>\n<p>Martin was seventh at the end of the day. Typically this season, we\u2019ve seen a slower start for Martin on Fridays before he makes a big step on Saturday. That will likely be the case again, though his wrist will be the limiting factor.<\/p>\n<p>His race running is hard to read, as his runs in Practice were highly inconsistent. As such, his 1m52.751s average likely isn\u2019t representative, but he is also playing catch-up to Bezzecchi and the Ducatis ahead of him.<\/p>\n<p>The crash itself from Phillip Island is continuing to have an impact on him: \u201cThe loss of confidence after the crash in Australia has been significant. This morning, although the feeling wasn\u2019t bad, I didn\u2019t have that extra bit of power to push in the corners,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>That feeling did improve, but it also suggests that another fall could just dent his confidence again at the worst possible moment.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-218a999fe9c182493dd778991992eafa8d34c9b1897fb881fa82f976d159e3dc\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Marc Marquez warns Qatar MotoGP title chance \u201cstill far\u201d after Friday practice<\/li>\n<li>Jorge Martin \u201cproud\u201d of Qatar MotoGP comeback: \u201cI almost don&#8217;t feel the pain\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>At this stage, if he keeps Marquez\u2019s points haul to below 30, he is largely going to be delaying the inevitable. However, an extra week to recover his wrist before going to a track in Portimao that he is strong at, Marquez isn\u2019t, and the Aprilia suits well, you just never know what might happen.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>If Ducati has team orders, now may be the time to enforce them<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Marquez\u2019s double in Qatar last year was a significant early moment in the 2025 season and his march to a seventh MotoGP title.<\/p>\n<p>This time around, it holds even more significance as the place where he could beat Valentino Rossi\u2019s tally of seven titles and become the 10-time champion across all classes the former believes was an accolade stolen from him by Marquez in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Ironically, Marquez may be denied his coronation in Qatar by two VR46-affiliated Ducati riders.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 2026 Qatar MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Fabio Di Giannantonio has been battling a considerable power deficit, with his VR46 team reckoning he\u2019s down about 30hp, which is costing him 10-12km\/h on the straights. He hid it pretty well on Friday, as he led the way with a new lap record.<\/p>\n<p>Qatar is a great circuit for Di Giannantonio, who scored a career-saving maiden victory in 2023 on a Gresini-run Ducati. His race running was very similar to Marquez\u2019s on Friday, with the latter slightly faster.<\/p>\n<p>I think we lost some sense of what Marquez\u2019s pace should look like due to the broken chain he suffered midway through Practice. But Di Giannantonio is very much in the game. As is Pecco Bagnaia, somewhat more surprisingly.<\/p>\n<p>For just the second time this side of the summer break, Bagnaia earned direct passage into Q2. Over a single lap, Bagnaia is a front row threat right now, having ended the day fourth overall. In terms of race pace, he\u2019s on the same level as Di Giannantonio and Marquez.<\/p>\n<p>The subject of team orders has been a hot topic across Aprilia and Ducati lately. There has been no suggestion from either camp that team orders are on the table.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, if ever there was a weekend to deploy them, Ducati may want to start seriously considering a plan given Marquez doesn\u2019t appear to be the clear leading rider for the brand right now\u2026<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Never miss an update.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Stay up to speed with the latest MotoGP news and analysis, delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>MotoGP title-deciders are uncomfortable experiences for those at the forefront for a number of reasons. But there hasn\u2019t been a potential championship-deciding race held under such circumstances as the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Suzuki and Joan Mir faced the unprecedented scenario of their championship-deciding Valencia Grand Prix in 2020 being derailed by a positive COVID-19 test.<\/p>\n<p>But never has an active war threatened a rider\u2019s potential coronation in the MotoGP World Championship\u2019s nearly 80-year history. That\u2019s the situation Ducati and Marc Marquez face this weekend in Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>After a week of increasingly aggressive back-and-forth between the riders &#8211; 19 of whom signed a letter stating they did not want to race in Qatar &#8211; and MotoGP, the championship\u2019s strong-arming over contracts and a threat of sanctions had its desired effect: the paddock, for the most part reluctantly, is in Lusail.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360404_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Fabio Di Giannantonio, 2026 MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Almost, anyway. Yamaha stood firm by its company\u2019s Middle East travel policy and pulled both of its teams, as well as their four riders, out of the event. Consequences are set to follow, but what those will look like remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<p>Championship leader Marquez arrived late to the paddock on Thursday. He says it was always his intention to get there at the last possible moment, and he intends to leave as soon as he can after Sunday\u2019s grand prix.<\/p>\n<p>This situation is likely to lead to fairly muted celebrations if Marquez does win the championship on Sunday night.<\/p>\n<p>For the time being, thankfully, all has gone off without a problem. That\u2019s nothing MotoGP, nor the race organisers, can take much credit for. The Republicans took a hammering in this week\u2019s mid-term elections in the US. Senior members of the party are openly blaming the war in Iran for their defeat in Democrats taking back control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s likely played into wider reports of talks of mediation between Iran and the US kicking up a gear over the last few days. President Trump hasn\u2019t ruled out fresh strikes on Iran, but the anticipated intense escalation in the conflict, which forced the Qatar Grand Prix from its original April slot, has not arrived.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>MotoGP, for now, has been lucky. But wars are not predictable, and there is still a long way to go before the paddock can get itself out of the danger zone.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table dir=\"ltr\" class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\" rowspan=\"1\"><strong>2926 Qatar MotoGP: Outright best laps per brand in Practice<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Time<\/td>\n<td>Rider<\/td>\n<td>Position\u00a0<\/td>\n<td>Difference<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>1m50.406s<\/td>\n<td>Fabio Di Giannantonio<\/td>\n<td>1st<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m50.666s<\/td>\n<td>Marco Bezzecchi<\/td>\n<td>3rd<\/td>\n<td>0.260s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m51.024s<\/td>\n<td>Enea Bastianini<\/td>\n<td>6th<\/td>\n<td>0.618s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1m51.301s<\/td>\n<td>Johann Zarco<\/td>\n<td>8th<\/td>\n<td>0.895s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Bezzecchi is stepping up on his must-win weekend<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The maths for Marquez to win the championship this weekend is pretty simple: he must outscore Jorge Martin by 30 points, and gain eight points over Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s something of a tragedy that Bezzecchi, 102 points clear of Marquez after an Italian Grand Prix win in May that strengthened his grip on the championship lead, now faces elimination from contention by such a meagre amount.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/bezzecchi.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Qatar MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But he\u2019s not going down without a fight. Throughout both sessions, Bezzecchi looked to be in a groove on his RS-GP. The Qatar track suits the RS-GP and Bezzecchi was strong, albeit cautious.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is still a lot to do in the time attack, but we also need to try to find a little consistency and precision in terms of pace,\u201d he summarised at the end of Practice. He\u2019s right that he needs to find a bit in time attack, but not much. He was 0.260s off the pace set by Fabio Di Giannantonio, and even closer to Marquez.<\/p>\n<p>Consistency was something all Aprilia riders seemed to struggle with during their running on Friday. But Bezzecchi was the exception. In our analysis, based on a five-lap stint of representative laps (so no cancelled times or non-push laps) on a fresh soft tyre, he was the quickest of the below table on a 1m51.557s.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table dir=\"ltr\" class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"6\" rowspan=\"1\"><strong>2026 Qatar MotoGP: Practice top 10 pace analysis<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rider<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Pace<\/td>\n<td>Tyre<\/td>\n<td>Stint<\/td>\n<td>Laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fabio Di Giannantonio<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.575s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>3 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marc Marquez<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.437s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>3 laps<\/td>\n<td>9 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marco Bezzecchi<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m51.557s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>5 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pecco Bagnaia<\/td>\n<td>Ducati GP26<\/td>\n<td>1m52.557s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>6 laps<\/td>\n<td>12 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Raul Fernandez<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.905s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>8 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Enea Bastianini<\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m53.292s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>5 laps<\/td>\n<td>10 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Jorge Martin<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.751s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>7 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Johann Zarco<\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1m53.142s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>4 laps<\/td>\n<td>8 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ai Ogura<\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>1m52.244s<\/td>\n<td>Soft<\/td>\n<td>2 laps<\/td>\n<td>5 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Brad Binder<\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>1m53.703s<\/td>\n<td>Medium<\/td>\n<td>4 laps<\/td>\n<td>10 laps on tyre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>While the Ducati duo ahead of him were on the medium tyre, Bezzecchi\u2019s running on a fresh medium was equally as quick. Bezzecchi is looking strong. And, more concerningly, he has absolutely nothing to lose.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez acknowledged this when he spoke about his day: \u201cI mean, still I feel that it\u2019s [the title] far, especially because Bezzecchi, as we see, is pushing and riding in a very good way. [He has] nothing to lose; he will push all the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot to be said about how the pressure of battling Marquez for a title ultimately crumbled Bezzecchi\u2019s hopes as this season unfolded. Equally, however, when there was no pressure of a championship charge on his shoulders in those early rounds, the Italian was absolutely magical.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s unlikely to win the title, but he can certainly delay Marquez\u2019s bid in Qatar, while reminding everyone of what he is still capable of &#8211; and can be capable of in 2027, providing he has learned some valuable lessons.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Martin\u2019s perseverance remains admirable<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Jorge Martin left the Lusail circuit in an ambulance the last time he visited the track in 2025, after suffering injuries he thought would kill him. Now he returns, albeit battered and bruised, with a MotoGP title on the line.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360345_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Martin, 2026 Qatar MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Admittedly, it\u2019s a title charge that is slipping away from him. The wrist injury he picked up in Australia has healed to the point where he can use his toothbrush again and, more importantly, ride an Aprilia RS-GP with some decent speed.<\/p>\n<p>Martin was seventh at the end of the day. Typically this season, we\u2019ve seen a slower start for Martin on Fridays before he makes a big step on Saturday. That will likely be the case again, though his wrist will be the limiting factor.<\/p>\n<p>His race running is hard to read, as his runs in Practice were highly inconsistent. As such, his 1m52.751s average likely isn\u2019t representative, but he is also playing catch-up to Bezzecchi and the Ducatis ahead of him.<\/p>\n<p>The crash itself from Phillip Island is continuing to have an impact on him: \u201cThe loss of confidence after the crash in Australia has been significant. This morning, although the feeling wasn\u2019t bad, I didn\u2019t have that extra bit of power to push in the corners,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>That feeling did improve, but it also suggests that another fall could just dent his confidence again at the worst possible moment.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-218a999fe9c182493dd778991992eafa8d34c9b1897fb881fa82f976d159e3dc\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Marc Marquez warns Qatar MotoGP title chance \u201cstill far\u201d after Friday practice<\/li>\n<li>Jorge Martin \u201cproud\u201d of Qatar MotoGP comeback: \u201cI almost don&#8217;t feel the pain\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>At this stage, if he keeps Marquez\u2019s points haul to below 30, he is largely going to be delaying the inevitable. However, an extra week to recover his wrist before going to a track in Portimao that he is strong at, Marquez isn\u2019t, and the Aprilia suits well, you just never know what might happen.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>If Ducati has team orders, now may be the time to enforce them<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Marquez\u2019s double in Qatar last year was a significant early moment in the 2025 season and his march to a seventh MotoGP title.<\/p>\n<p>This time around, it holds even more significance as the place where he could beat Valentino Rossi\u2019s tally of seven titles and become the 10-time champion across all classes the former believes was an accolade stolen from him by Marquez in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Ironically, Marquez may be denied his coronation in Qatar by two VR46-affiliated Ducati riders.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360113_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 2026 Qatar MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Fabio Di Giannantonio has been battling a considerable power deficit, with his VR46 team reckoning he\u2019s down about 30hp, which is costing him 10-12km\/h on the straights. He hid it pretty well on Friday, as he led the way with a new lap record.<\/p>\n<p>Qatar is a great circuit for Di Giannantonio, who scored a career-saving maiden victory in 2023 on a Gresini-run Ducati. His race running was very similar to Marquez\u2019s on Friday, with the latter slightly faster.<\/p>\n<p>I think we lost some sense of what Marquez\u2019s pace should look like due to the broken chain he suffered midway through Practice. But Di Giannantonio is very much in the game. As is Pecco Bagnaia, somewhat more surprisingly.<\/p>\n<p>For just the second time this side of the summer break, Bagnaia earned direct passage into Q2. Over a single lap, Bagnaia is a front row threat right now, having ended the day fourth overall. In terms of race pace, he\u2019s on the same level as Di Giannantonio and Marquez.<\/p>\n<p>The subject of team orders has been a hot topic across Aprilia and Ducati lately. There has been no suggestion from either camp that team orders are on the table.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, if ever there was a weekend to deploy them, Ducati may want to start seriously considering a plan given Marquez doesn\u2019t appear to be the clear leading rider for the brand right now\u2026<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Never miss an update.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Stay up to speed with the latest MotoGP news and analysis, delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/feature\/1109536\/1\/motogp-qatar-grand-prix-what-we-learned-after-friday-practice&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-11\/gng_1360652_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix: What we learned after Friday practice Marc Marquez has his first match point in the 2026 title battle at the Qatar Grand Prix. But he faces threats from all sides as both Aprilia and a stable of Ducatis look like they have podium pace following Friday practice. Meanwhile, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2242940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2242940","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2242940"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2242940\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2242940"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2242940"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2242940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}