Jorge Martin (R) of Pramac Racing celebrates with the team after winning the pole position during the qualifying session of the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar, March 9, 2024. /CFP
Pramac Racing's Jorge Martin led from start to finish to win the MotoGP season-opening sprint at the Qatar Grand Prix on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Spanish racer, who was last season's championship runner-up, became the first rider to register 10 sprint victories.
"I was fast... I was really close to crashing on a corner but I feel confident, I feel fast. We're going to work on the bike tonight to see if we can enjoy the big one (Sunday's race)," Martin said.
Jorge Martin of Pramac Racing rides during the qualifying session of the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar, March 9, 2024. /CFP
Earlier on Saturday, Martin took the pole position in the qualifying session after he smashed the lap record at the Lusail International Circuit.
The Spaniard took pole with a time of 1:50.789, beating Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro by a whisker, while Enea Bastianini from Ducati's factory team completed the front row, 0.086 seconds behind Martin.
"I'm the fastest in one lap, another pole is super nice," a smiling Martin said. "I'm happy, but the important job is tomorrow."
(With input from agencies)