Enea Bastianini claims his first victory at the Grand Prix of Qatar 2022

Mar 7, 2021

Enea Bastianini won his first race in the premier class of motorcycling at the MotoGP season-opener in Qatar on Sunday 6th March at the spectacular Lusail International Circuit.

This was his second season competing in the elite class. However, he took the title away from Brad Binder of (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) while Pol Espagaro of Honda followed in third.

"I think now it's incredible. At the end Pol was really close to me. I understood that now I could try to win the race, and I overtook Pol on the first corner after he went out," said Bastianini.

Bastianini honored Fausto Gresini, the team's founder and a two-time former world champion of 125cc, who unfortunately passed away last year due to Covid-19 at the age of 60.

"I dedicate this victory to Fausto. He pushed me a lot from the skies, and it's fantastic for all the team. I think we've all been crying," said Bastianini.

It doesn't get much more emotional than this ?

This is how @Bestia23 and the @GresiniRacing family celebrated their season opener victory! ? #MondayMotivation #QatarGP ?? pic.twitter.com/GaRpdqQk6M
— MotoGP™? (@MotoGP) March 7, 2022

According to MotoGP, during preseason testing, no one was expecting Binder’s second, but the South African surprised everyone once again. Pol Espagaro was leading for much of the race, however went wide after being overtaken and finished third.

In fourth place was Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro, ahead of Honda's Marc Marquez, who has been sidelined because of injuries for his past two seasons.

It seemed as though France's Fabio Quartararo, the reigning champion, would finish at eight. However, failing to maintain control of his Yamaha, he finished ninth as Johann Zarco went ahead of him to finish eighth.

A Ducati disaster in the desert ?@PeccoBagnaia was quick to run to @88jorgemartin after their crash ?#QatarGP ?? pic.twitter.com/OB9ppTnSpk
— MotoGP™? (@MotoGP) March 6, 2022

During the 12th lap, Francesco Bagnaia lost control of his Ducati and took out polesitter Jorge Martin.

According to MotoGP, both riders were fine, but it was a disastrous evening for the brand with Miller, Pecco, Martin, and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) out of the Qatar GP.

On top of the race, the return of the fan zone area brought a lot of enjoyment to spectators with a wide range of entertainment, including live music performances, cultural performances, family-oriented activities, and so much more! Tremendous energy and excitement filled the Lusail International Circuit throughout the entire race.

Fans also had the opportunity to hold the championship trophy which was ultimately won by Enea Bastianini.

This year’s Grand Prix of Qatar was filled with drama, surprises, and lots of actions from all the racers – We are all excited about the next stop of the MotoGP Championship in Indonesia.