Spain's Martin takes pole for Qatar MotoGP, Bagnaia on second row

English Woman's Journal - Spain's Martin takes pole for Qatar MotoGP, Bagnaia on second row

SPORTS 09.03.2024

Spain's Martin takes pole for Qatar MotoGP, Bagnaia on second row / Photo: KARIM JAAFAR - AFP

Spaniard Jorge Martin set a lap record on his way to pole position for the season-opening Qatar MotoGP and sprint on Saturday with world champion Francesco Bagnaia starting on the second row.

Change text size:

Ducati-Pramac's Martin, runner-up to Bagnaia in the world championship last season, clocked 1min 50.789sec on the wind-swept Lusail track to finish ahead of compatriot Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia and Italian Enea Bastianini of Ducati.

Italy's reigning two-time world champion Bagnaia will start from the second row on his factory Ducati after clocking the fifth fastest time, behind South African Brad Binder, who managed to get up to fourth before his late crash.

Martin was on course to better his time but his final lap was cancelled following KTM rider Binder's crash.

Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez was sixth as he competed for the first time on his Gresini-Ducati.

Marquez had said on Thursday that he felt "comfortable" but "not ready to (fight) for the podium or the victory".

Above all, he said, it will be about "learning" and "taming" a bike that is very different from the Hondas he has been riding since 2013.

Spanish teenager Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) took the eighth best time on his debut weekend among the elite.

The pre-qualifying tests were initially scheduled for Friday evening but were postponed due to rain.

The sprint race starts later Saturday at 1600GMT with the weekend's main event at 1900GMT on Sunday.

E.Cunningham--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Spain's Martin takes pole for Qatar MotoGP, Bagnaia on second row