Qatar MotoGP: Session times, weather forecast and support series info

MotoGP is back! Hot off the back of a long winter with seemingly endless tests, talks and development, the action hits the track once again in Qatar.

Yes, we might have lost the legend that is Valentino Rossi from the grid for the first season since 2000. But his legacy will live on as the VR46 team makes its debut in the premier class in Doha. And the 2022 grid boasts 14 riders who have won a world championship across the three series – that’s over half the grid with championship-winning pedigree.

With three different MotoGP champions in as many years in Marquez, Mir and Quartararo, the door could open for any rider to add their name to that illustrious list. There’ll be an appetite to be leading the pack from the off in Qatar, as the curtain raises on another season.

Make sure you’re on top of all the action with session times, support series, weather forecast and the latest news from the weekend, check out this guide with all the information you’ll need.

Qatar MotoGP race preview

Qatar MoroGP session times

The opening round of the season takes place in Qatar, which is on Arabian Standard Time. This is three hours ahead of GMT, and two hours ahead of CET. The MotoGP race on Sunday is scheduled to take place at 6 pm local time. Qualifying for MotoGP on Saturday will take place at the same time.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix support series

Moto2

Alongside the premier class action, Moto2 and Moto3 will both be on track throughout the opening weekend. A proving ground for young racing talent, this year’s crop will be encouraged by 2021’s champion and runner-up Remy Gardner and Raúl Fernández taking the reigns at KTM Tech3 in MotoGP this coming season. With 30 riders taking to the grid for the 2022 season, there’ll be fierce competition to make it to the front of the pack from race one.

Moto3

Qatar will also host the opening round of the Moto3 World Championship. The frenetic series has delivered explosive racing moments as riders get their first taste of MotoGP. This year, 30 riders will battle for the Moto3 crown and prove they’ve got what it takes for the step up to Moto2 in 2023.

Qatar weather report

As you might expect, the weather in Qatar is set to be dry and hot. Friday will be the hottest day, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C on Friday afternoon. The temperature will drop over the weekend, and will be around 23°C at 6 pm lights out time on Sunday.

Live weather updates

The Qatar Grand Prix Circuit

Losail International Circuit

Predominantly a motorcycle track, the Losail circuit is set up to display the best of what MotoGP bikes have to offer. The long pit straight will see the bikes hit speeds of up to 350kph. In fact, in FP4 at the 2021 event, Johan Zarco broke the MotoGP all-time speed record, reaching 362.4 kph.

The track’s long and flowing corners later in the lap push the drivers to the limit hitting lean angles exceeding 60°. There are four key overtaking spots located throughout the lap at turns 1, 6, 12 and the final turn 16. This means there are plenty of opportunities for the riders to overtake and fight back for positions lost throughout the race.

In typical MotoGP fashion, any spot with tarmac will be a potential stage for action, controversy or magic. In 2021, a three-way battle for the podium broke out, and it looked like Joan Mir’s final lap overtake secured second. But after the final turn, bursting down the straight, the Ducatis of Zarco and Bagnaia capitalised on a wide moment to shake up the order.

To get a taste of what’s in store, jump on this virtual onboard lap in a Formula 1 car, courtesy of Motorsport.tv.

How to stay up to date at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

You can keep up-to-date across all the breaking news by following Motorsport.com throughout the race weekend. And be sure to listen to the Autosport Podcast throughout the weekend to keep up with all the goings-on in the world of motorsport.