MotoGP Qatar FP1 full results: Marquez top as Martin finds form

Marquez could win his 10th world championship this weekend if things go his way, but Aprilia’s star man has shown that it likely won’t be the case.

Martin broke his wrist two weeks ago while battling with Marquez in Australia, and his return a week later in Malaysia was cut short due to pain in the joint and difficulty braking.

However, in Qatar, Martin was able to compete, albeit still off Marquez in top spot, but in a surprise fifth.

Between him and his title rival was Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi in second, with the Italian still mathematically in with a chance of winning the championship.

Then came Fabio Di Giannantonio and Pedro Acosta, who suffered a surprise late breakdown on his KTM.

Martin needs to collect a minimum of eight points to keep his title hopes alive in the remaining two Grand Prix, while Bezzecchi needs a minimum of 30.

That would be in the eventuality that Marquez wins the sprint and Grand Prix for a maximum haul of 37 points.

Given Martin's condition in Sepang last time out, it looked very likely that Marquez could easily take 30 points on his closest rival, but such a jump up the timesheets in FP1 suggests Martin will be able to spoil an early party for Marquez.