Sun Apr 13 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Marquez Claims Pole and Sprint Victory in Thrilling Qatar MotoGP
**Lusail, Qatar –** Marc Marquez snatched pole position and won the sprint race at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, setting a new lap record in the process. The factory Ducati rider, who entered the race just one point behind his brother Alex in the championship standings, now holds a two-point lead.
Marquez’s victory was particularly impressive considering his crash at the Americas GP two weeks prior and his expectation of a difficult race against rivals Alex Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia. He overcame a challenging race, characterized by close battles and strategic tire management, to claim the top spot.
Alex Marquez, starting second, secured second place in the sprint, maintaining his 100% runner-up record until he received a long lap penalty for causing a collision with Di Giannantonio. He ended up 12th. Fabio Quartararo completed the front row, starting third.
Pecco Bagnaia, meanwhile, struggled throughout qualifying and the sprint race, finishing eighth and starting 11th for Sunday’s main race, leaving him 21 points behind Marquez in the championship. Reigning world champion Jorge Martin, returning from injury, finished 16th in the sprint.
The main 22-lap race promises to be another exciting affair, with Marquez starting from pole and aiming to extend his championship lead. Maverick Viñales put on a stunning performance, leading the sprint for much of the race before ultimately finishing second after battling with Marc Marquez and Morbidelli. Vinales’ performance has the potential to make history as a win would make him the first rider ever to win grands prix with four different manufacturers. The race begins at 6 pm BST.
First Piper 