Qatar MotoGP: Jorge Martin fastest in FP1 at season opener, Pedro ...

Jorge Martin went fastest in the first free practice session for the Qatar Grand Prix, as the new 2024 MotoGP season got underway at the Lusail International Circuit.

Aleix Espargaro of Aprilla was 0.047 seconds adrift of the lead, while Pedro Acosta made a big impression in what was his debut MotoGP session, as the Red Bull rider came third and 0.071s behind Martin.

There was plenty of hype and excitement surrounding the 19-year-old Acosta, having already won two world titles across Moto3 and Moto2 level.

Despite his tender years, the Spaniard proved he can compete with the very best following some eye-catching work in Lusail and will certainly be one to watch this season.

There were plenty of eyes on Marc Marquez following his transfer from Honda to Ducati Gresini, and the six-time world champion produced a solid showing on his new bike by coming fourth.

Acosta was leading the way heading into the final 10 minutes, while Marquez also briefly propelled himself into top spot before finishing in fourth. Marc's brother Alex Marquez came 10th also riding the Gresini Ducati.

Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia made a rather slow start before coming 13th, and will hope that this is not a hangover from the way in which he ended the 2023 season.

Attention now turns to the evening session which holds much more significance heading into the weekend, as the top 10 riders will automatically take their places in Qualifying 2 (Q2).

Both Qualifying 1 (Q1) and Q2 races take place on Saturday, which will decide the starting grid positions for the opening sprint race of the season in the afternoon.

The 22-lap Grand Prix itself then takes place on Sunday at 5pm UK time under the lights for what promises to be a pulsating night-time race.

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