2021 Qatar MotoGP, Losail Circuit - Live Friday Updates!

Track action at the 2021 season-opening Qatar MotoGP begins at 13:50 local time when the Moto3 class heads out on the Losail circuit for opening practice.

Moto2 FP1 will follow at 14:45, before the MotoGP class takes to the track for the first time this weekend at 15:40.

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The brief pre-season testing schedule (at the same circuit) concluded with new Factory Ducati signing Jack Miller on top of the timesheets after edging out the Yamahas of Maverick Vinales, new Monster team-mate Fabio Quartararo and Petronas title runner-up Franco Morbidelli.

But the tables looked to be turned for average pace, with the M1 riders having the edge.

Aleix Espargaro impressed throughout the four full days on the new Aprilia, finishing up sixth fastest, while world champion Joan Mir and team-mate Alex Rins held seventh and eighth for Suzuki - but again appeared more potent for race pace.

Pol Espargaro was the top Honda rider in tenth place after an encouraging debut on the RC213V. The Spaniard was classified just behind Johann Zarco, who set a new unofficial top speed record of 357.6km/h on his new Pramac Ducati.

The only manufacturer without a rider in the top 15 was surprisingly KTM. The Austrian manufacturer won three races last season but was left with a best of 16th place, for new factory rider Miguel Oliveira, in testing.

MotoGP did not compete in Qatar last season but will make up for lost time with two back-to-back events in 2021, the Doha round being held next weekend.