Qatar MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia opens title defence with victory
- Published
Francesco Bagnaia has won the MotoGP title for the past two seasons
Italy's Francesco Bagnaia made a perfect start to the defence of his MotoGP title with victory in the first race of the season in Qatar.
The 27-year-old Ducati rider took the lead on the opening lap after starting fifth on the grid.
South African Brad Binder finished second for KTM, while Spain's Jorge Martin was third at the Lusail circuit.
Pramac Racing's Martin, who won Saturday's sprint race, had qualified in pole position.
Bagnaia, who was fourth in the sprint race, said: "We knew our potential, we tried to do our maximum yesterday, but changed the set-up - today was totally different."
Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez finished fourth on his debut with Gresini Racing, following his switch from Honda.