Doha:Lusail International Circuit (LIC) launched the 2026 MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar on Friday, marking the 22nd edition of the event since the circuit first hosted the championship in 2004. The event, which runs until November 8, is the final season under the current 1000cc engine regulations, adding extra significance to each race, including LIC’s renowned night race.

According to Qatar News Agency, the first day featured practice sessions across all categories, including the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup. In Moto4 Free Practice 1, Japan's Kotaro Togashi led with a time of 2’10.930, followed by Malaysia's Qabil Irfan and Indonesia's Bintang Pranata. In Moto3™ Free Practice, Maximo Quiles from the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team recorded the fastest lap, while in Moto2™, Daniel Holgado from the CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team led the session.

Marc Marquez of the Ducati Lenovo Team topped the MotoGP™ first free practice with a time of 1’52.278. Kotaro Togashi maintained his lead in the second Moto4 practice session, and Fabio Di Giannantonio set a new all-time lap record in the MotoGP™ practice with a lap time of 1’50.406.

The event also featured an Autograph Session with top riders, a MotoGP™ Fan Zone, and a Cultural Village highlighting Qatari heritage. The Grand Prix promises thrilling actions in the coming days with qualifying sessions, a Tissot Sprint, and the main MotoGP™ Grand Prix race.