MotoGP: Lorenzo clinches the opener in Qatar, Rossi is back

Defending Champion Jorge Lorenzo won the opening race of the MotoGP season in Qatar’s Losail International Circuit on Sunday. The Spaniard lead the race from pole position to claim his 24^th career title.

Yamaha pulled off the double as Lorenzo’s teammate, seven time world champion Valentino Rossi, came second just 5.9 seconds behind the 25-year-old.

Rossi had to battle through during the race as he started from 7^th position, however the Italian did well to overtake Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and promising youngster Marquez.

“That was great fun, I think second is best for me today as Jorge was perfect,” said the 34-year old Italian legend after the race. “I wanted this podium, this was my target since last November.”

Yamaha lead after the first race of the season with 49 points and have Honda sitting second with 29 points thanks to a podium finish from the 20-year-old Marquez. The Spanish rider definitely impressed on his debut season by overtaking Cal Crutchlow in Britain as well as Pedrosa with six laps remaining.

The youngster was certainly pleased with his performance, defining his first MotoGP appearance as “not too bad!”

Pedrosa finished behind Marquez, with Crutchlow, Bautista, Andrea Dovizioso, Nicky Hayden, Andrea Iannone and Ben Spies completing the top ten. The next race will be held at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on 21^st April.

Umida Ibrahimova, sports correspondent