The fourth round of the 2025 MotoGP season is set to take place this weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix.
For only the second time since 2007, the grand prix paddock visits Qatar not as the opening event of the season. Traditionally the first race and the site of the final test, this year’s Qatar GP will occur during the sweltering early April heat.
Following a thrilling Americas Grand Prix, the scene shifts to the Lusail International Circuit, where Alex Marquez has taken a one-point lead in the championship standings after his brother Marc Marquez’s DNF.
Pecco Bagnaia earned his first victory of the season last round and is now just 12 points behind the leader as he heads to a circuit that Ducati believes could ignite his championship campaign.
As first practice approaches, here are five crucial topics to keep an eye on during the 2025 Qatar GP.
World Champion Returns
A key storyline of the 2025 Qatar GP is the return of reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin, who has been sidelined due to injury.
Unfortunately, Martin’s debut with Aprilia did not go as planned. By FP1 on Friday, he will have logged only 13 laps on the RS-GP since crashing at the pre-season test in Malaysia back in February.
Since then, he has not competed due to subsequent injuries from a training accident leading up to the Thai GP. The motorcycle he rides now is reportedly different from the one he initially tested in November.
Will Alex Marquez Extend His Lead?
For the first time in his career, Alex Marquez leads the MotoGP championship going into a new round. Despite his slim one-point advantage, his consistent results with the GP24 put him in this position after Marc Marquez’s crash in the Americas GP.
He looks to build on his successful start at Lusail, a venue where he has previously performed well. His performance continues to be crucial as he aims to solidify his lead against formidable competitors.
Can Bagnaia’s Season Shift in Qatar?
Ducati has circled the Qatar Grand Prix as the pivotal moment for Pecco Bagnaia’s 2025 season. Prior to the Americas GP, his performances were less than stellar and he was not in contention with his teammates.
However, he took advantage of a last-minute change in fortunes at COTA to move within 12 points of the championship lead with his first win. While he has a decent record in Qatar, he will need to make significant improvements to stay competitive.
Potential Resurgence for Another Ducati Rider
Notably, Fabio Di Giannantonio, who triumphed over Bagnaia at the 2023 Qatar GP, is also worth watching. After missing pre-season due to injury, he has rebounded quickly, finishing well at COTA.
Riding a bike he’s familiar with, Di Giannantonio could be a wildcard this weekend, aiming for another strong performance as he chases a podium finish.
Regulations Review Following COTA Incident
The Qatar GP should ideally avoid the weather issues that caused chaos at COTA. Nevertheless, the race director, Mike Webb, has indicated that the regulations regarding race starts will be reviewed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
While adjustments may happen before the weekend, the likelihood of facing the same situation in Qatar remains low, allowing teams to prepare strategically.
