In tabloid format, Marc Márquez emerged as the leader in the second practice session of the opening round of the 2024 MotoGP season in Qatar. The session was affected by rain, resulting in a revised weekend schedule at the Losail International Circuit. The rain arrived at the end of the Moto3 second practice, causing only four riders to set times in the subsequent Moto2 session. Despite the challenging conditions, Márquez showcased his skill and led the session by three tenths, leaving rookie Pedro Acosta and his fellow KTM RC16 riders behind. The session was marked by a wet track and the absence of major incidents. The unexpected schedule change led to the “pre-qualifying” aspect of the practices being moved to the initial Saturday session, which was extended from 30 to 45 minutes. This decision allowed for a more comprehensive assessment of the riders’ performance. The session ended with Márquez crossing the finish line and setting the stage for an exciting opening of the MotoGP season in Qatar.
