Lorenzo dominates QatarGP

Jorge Lorenzo got his MotoGP title defense underway by riding to victory of the 2016 season opener at the Qatar Grand Prix, where Andrea Dovizioso finished second.

A late decision saw Jorge Lorenzo switch to the softer rear Michelin tyre just half an hour before the start of the first race of 2016.

With each circulation Lorenzo improved in speed, setting the fastest race lap record of 1’54.927s on the 20th lap. He finished the race 2.019s ahead of Dovizioso, who came in second.

Lorenzo produced one of the best races of his career after a number of new technical rules presented a world of unknowns for the MotoGP World Championship on race day.

He has started his title defense in a faultless way; pole position, a race win and the fastest lap of the race.

Niccolo Antonelli claimed the first win of the year after beating Brad Binder in the Moto3 race, who came in second with a slight difference of 0.007s. This is Antonelli’s third career victory and his best ever start to a season.

The Italian rider, who caused further damage to his collar bone injury during practice, rode through the pain to claim the title.

This will be Brad Binder’s seven career podium and the best opening round he has ever had.  The South African took the lead for the most of the race but unfortunately missed out on the first race win.

Thomas Luthi takes the win in the Moto2 race with a record time of 40’14.293s, 9.910s ahead of Luis Salom who finished second with a 40’23.903s.

As Luthi took the lead, Nakagami and Robin Mulhauser were also handed ride through penalties for jumping the race start.

Luis Salom and Simone Corsi finished the race in first and second respectively, earning themselves a place on the podium.

Lorenzo, Niccolo and Luthi leave the opening race leading the championship with 25 points.