No expectations
Despite having grabbed the pole, Martin will go into the race under the Losail lights without any great expectations of taking the top step on the podium.
"I'm super happy about my performance. I wasn't expecting to be that fast. I'm not 100 per cent confident. We're still missing one to two tenths to fight for victory, but we'll be one of the candidates. We've to work hard and find this small thing to battle. We're aiming for the win, but I'm always a little bit on the limit. We've struggled with a new engine. It isn't that easy," the 24-year-old said.
First for Bastianini
Bastianini will start on the front row for the first time in the premier class and has his sights on a podium finish.
"For the first time, I'll start on the front row. I'm very happy. We did a very good job because it was difficult to go on the second qualifying. I did one error in the last sector, but I did a very good lap and I think we can battle for the podium."
Marquez and Honda!
Marquez is hoping to start the season on a positive note after missing most of the last campaign due to an injury. The Repsol Honda rider exuded confidence.
"It's important to start on the front row on a track that I'm not riding comfortably on. My style is not coming naturally on this race track but I felt better, especially in FP4. We made an important change on the bike and since that point I started to feel better and in qualifying also the performance was there. I'm happy but Sunday is the most important day. We aren't the fastest, but we'll try to manage in a good way."
Vroom time in Qatar
So, the Martinator takes the first MotoGP pole position of the season, as we now get set for race day under the lights. Tune into the premier class race at 6pm local time (8.30pm IST) to see who rises highest in the desert, with the stage set for another stunning showdown.
Revv up your engines as it's vroom time again in Qatar! Indian audience can catch all the action live from Losail on Eurosport channel.