Doha: 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, while Maximo Quiles led Moto3 and Daniel Holgado set the pace in Moto2. In MotoGP, Marc Marquez from Ducati Lenovo Team led the first free practice.

To conclude the day's track action, Fabio Di Giannantonio from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team set a new all-time lap record at LIC with 1'50.406, followed closely by Marc Marquez at 1'50.548 and Marco Bezzecchi third at 1'50.666. During the break between sessions, the first 200 fans joined this year's Autograph Session, meeting star riders such as Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, Maverick Viñales, Franco Morbidelli and Pedro Acosta.

Away from the track, the MotoGP Fan Zone welcomed spectators with interactive entertainment, children's activities and food and beverage options, while visitors explored the Cultural Village celebrating Qatar's heritage through traditional crafts, henna, spices, oud demonstrations and Dahrooi. Saturday will feature qualifying sessions, the Moto2 and Moto3 Hero Walk, the MotoGP Tissot Sprint and BMW M Laps, with a dedicated podium for the Tissot Sprint in the Fan Zone for the first time. 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.

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