Lusail classics: the best of the… Read more
As MotoGP™ gears up for Round 4 of the 2025 season, the spotlight is once again on Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit, a venue known for delivering thrilling races over the years. Since its debut in MotoGP, Lusail has become synonymous with unforgettable battles, and here are five of the most iconic moments from the track.
In 2005, just a year after MotoGP made its debut in Qatar, the season saw Valentino Rossi dominating the championship. However, Marco Melandri emerged as a strong contender for the runner-up spot. In an exhilarating race, Melandri fought fiercely with Rossi, even making a bold last-lap move to take the lead at Turn 12. Unfortunately, he ran wide, allowing Rossi to take the victory. Despite finishing second, Melandri was still unable to secure his first premier-class win, while Rossi edged closer to his seventh World Championship title.
Fast forward to 2013, and a new era began with the debut of Marc Marquez in MotoGP. Though Marquez was the start, it was Jorge Lorenzo who claimed victory in the opening round. Valentino Rossi, on a Yamaha again after a stint with Ducati, was pursuing his tenth world title. An early mistake dropped him down the order, but Rossi fought back and found himself in a thrilling battle with Marquez for second place, eventually coming out on top. However, this would be the last time Rossi would best Marquez at Lusail.
The rivalry between Marquez and Rossi reached new heights in 2014. The season opener under the Qatar floodlights saw the two riders exchange places multiple times in the closing laps. With two laps to go, they swapped positions four times, culminating in a bold Rossi attempt at Turn 10. However, Marquez held on to secure the win, starting a record-breaking streak of 10 consecutive victories that no other rider had matched before.
Another memorable moment came in 2017, when Marc Marquez faced off against Andrea Dovizioso. With just two laps to go, Dovizioso held the lead, but Marquez was relentless. In the final lap, Marquez made a daring move at the last corner, only to run wide, allowing Dovizioso to retake the lead and claim the win. This dramatic finish set the tone for their ongoing rivalry in the years that followed.
In 2018, Marquez and Dovizioso clashed again in another nail-biting finish. Marquez tried to make his move earlier in the race but was unable to pass Dovizioso, who maintained his composure to claim victory once again in a thrilling conclusion.
With so many iconic moments at Lusail, the upcoming race is sure to deliver more excitement. Riders like Alex Marquez are eager to add their name to the list of winners at this historic circuit, alongside legends like Casey Stoner, Enea Bastianini, and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Will Marc Marquez bounce back, or will Pecco Bagnaia secure another victory? Only time will tell.
