Grand Prix Qatar: Michael Laverty expects 'different race' for Fabio Quartararo as Francesco Bagnaia takes 'too much time' to recover in MotoGP Sprint

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Francesco Bagnaia could only manage eighth place in the Sprint at Grand Prix Qatar on Saturday, and Michael Laverty believes that the full-length event on Sunday will provide an opportunity for more riders to show their best. Saturday's event was won by Marc Marquez, who went top of the race standings with the victory, leapfrogging his brother Alex.

‘It will be a closer race’ - Bagnaia faces Qatar challenge as ‘something is not quite right'

Video credit: TNT Sports

Michael Laverty believes that Sunday’s full-length race at Grand Prix Qatar will be a "different race" as he and Sylvain Guintoli discussed Francesco Bagnaia’s struggles in the Sprint.

Bagnaia started on the fourth row in 11th after crashing out in Q2 during qualifying on Saturday, and he finished the Sprint in eighth.

Ahead of him, the Marquez brothers dominated with another one-two, with Marc beating Alex to maximum points.

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Fabio Quartararo came in fifth spot, and speaking on TNT Sports, Laverty suggested the Monster Yamaha rider could put up a stronger challenge on Sunday.

He said: "It will be a different race, it might bring Fabio in a little bit stronger, where the Ducatis, they can just blast past them down there in the early laps.

"That won’t be the case as much tomorrow. Yes they will have an advantage, but he will have something to fight with," he said. "I think it will be a closer race tomorrow."

Marquez celebrates 'great' Grand Prix Qatar Sprint Race, aims to improve for Sunday

Video credit: TNT Sports

Guintoli, asked about Bagnaia’s struggles, suggested that his crash could have exacerbated any problems if his bike was not properly repaired, or if he had to switch to a back-up.

"Unbelievable," he began. "I mean, what happened? It could have been a problem.

"Obviously, the last time he was on his bike was when he fell off in the qualifying, so in those circumstances, the team has to rebuild the bike, [or they have to] swap to his second bike.

"So maybe there is something not quite right with the feel of his bike. It took him a little bit too much time to get back."

Marquez aiming for 'very small' improvements

Speaking after the race, the victorious Marquez brother said that he was aiming to get more out of his bike for Sunday’s main event.

However, he was pleased to keep up the winning momentum at the Sprint.

"At the moment, we're keeping the same performance as the first part of the season," Marquez began.

‘We don’t know why’ - Bagnaia concerned as Ducati Lenovo ‘struggle’ for answers after Qatar Sprint

Video credit: TNT Sports

"The feeling was good, an unexpected weekend only because, as you know, Quartararo struggled. I’m feeling in a good way, the speed was super consistent.

"I feel very good with the bike. Tomorrow, let’s see if we can improve very small things, just for the race distance.

"The feeling was great. Alex attacked me on the first lap, but I knew that my rhythm was a bit better. The last two laps I was not ready to attack, but tomorrow we will try to manage in a different way."

How to watch Grand Prix Qatar on TNT Sports and discovery+

TNT Sports is the home of MotoGP after agreeing a new multi-year deal to broadcast the championship in the UK and Ireland.

Grand Prix Qatar on Sunday, April 13 sees lights out at 6pm UK time, with fans able to catch up on all the above on discovery+.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

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