SPORT

Tuesdayy 2211 March 20201717

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Federer, Vesnina Marsh and Handscombomb MotoGP:Moto 's Losail win at Indian defy India as Aussiess Circuit set to open Wells secure draw intriguing season Qatar, get set for World Cup qualifier Rizwan Rehmat Qatar, coached by Fossati, on Iran Squad The Peninsula Sunday played a friendly game with the national Olympic squad, , Mohammadreza whereas Iran - managed by Que- Akhbari, Rashid Mazaheri, Ramin Reza- he Qatar football squad iroz - arrived in on eian, Vouria Ghafouri, , Pej- and the visiting Ira- Saturday. man Montazeri, , nian team yesterday Four days ago, coach Fossati Ezatollah Pourghaz, , hit the training pitches brought together players of the Mohammad Ansari, , Saeid in two separate ses- national junior and senior teams Tsions ahead of their 2018 FIFA ahead of the side's two qualify- Ezatollahi, Ali Karimi, , World Cup qualifying match on ing matches this week. , , Reza Thursday. A news report said Fossati Ghoochannejhad, , Me- With just two days to go for had been keen not to over-train hdi Taremi, , Vahid the key Asian Zone qualifying the national team players since Amiri, Sasan Ansari match at Al Sadd Stadium, both some of the names have been Coach: squads trained under the watch- playing non-stop in the Qatar ful gaze of coaches Jorge Fossati Stars League (QSL) besides fea- calf injury he sustained while play- and Carlos Queiroz. turing in AFC Champions League ing for side Wolfsburg clashes as well. last month. Qatar Squad "I'll be careful not to over- Quiroz will have enough work the Al Rayyan and 'local' inside information on Qatari Hassan Al Haydos, Saad Abdullah Al Lekhwiya players," Fossati said tactics since two of his players Sheeb, Ibrahim Abdul Magid, Pedro at the time. Fossati said taking Montazeri (Al Ahli) and Morteza Miguel, Hamid Ismail, Ali Asad, Moham- care of key players was key in Pouraliganji (Al Sadd) ply their med Kasola, , Ahmed his planning for the two games. trade in the . Yasser, Asim Umar, Mohammed Musa, Following their game against Luis Martin, Ali Hassan Afif, Ali Zainabud- Iran, Qatar will play Uzbekistan Qatar national team players taking part in a training session under the watchful eyes of coach Crucial match din, Khizar Kamal, Abdul Matal, Sebastian (away clash) on March 28. Jorge Fossati in Doha yesterday. Soria, Rodrigo Tabata, Umar Bari, Mishal Two days ago, Qatar Foot- Jorge Fossati's side Abdullah, Ahmed Mohammed, Yasser ball Association (QFA) President team players in a brief chat ses- Sunday, last week Qatar lost to 23, Quiroz's side will host China takes on Group A Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin sion. A team official said the QFA Azerbaijan 2-1 in a friendly at Al at the in Abubakr, Khalifa Abubakr, Al Hadi Ali, leaders in a crucial Ahmed Al Thani attended the President met the players to give Sadd Stadium. five days later. The list of 23 play- Yusuf Hussain, Bualem Khoukhi, Akram World Cup qualifying national team training session at them confidence ahead of what The Iranians currently lead ers chosen by head coach Queiroz match on Thursday at and Fahad Ali. Lekhwiya Stadium. will be two key games for the Group A by a solitary point from does not, however, include the Al Sadd Stadium. Coach: Jorge Fossati The QFA President met with national side. second-placed Korea Republic. influential who Fossati and engaged the national Besides their friendly on Following their clash on March has been ruled out following the

FIG ART World Cup

Qatar Ahmed Al Dayani trains in Doha ahead of the FIG ART World Cup which begins from tomorrow. More than 240 gymnasts will feature in the four-day championship at Aspire Academy, hosted by Qatar Gymnastics Federation, which ends on March 25. Besides Al Dayani, hosts Qatar will have two more gymnasts Nabil Musa and Jana Elkeky competing at the event. The trio will join a star cast that includes Romanian giant Marian Dragulescu, Australian delight Emily Little and Armenian duo Harutyun Merdinyan and Artur Davtyan. Defoe sets sights on 'dream' 2018 World Cup in Russia

London Cup qualifier at home to Lithua- -- it's something you've always AFP nia. Asked if he is already thinking wanted to do from being a kid, about playing at the World Cup growing up watching the great eteran striker Jermain in Russia, Defoe replied: "Of players over the years," he said. Defoe has his sights on a course, yeah. I know how impor- "Playing in the major tour- V"dream" place in Eng- tant it is to play for your country." naments, going out and land's 2018 World Cup squad Defoe was a member of the Eng- emulating the players you've after returning to the fold fol- land squads that went to the 2010 seen on TV. Being lucky enough lowing a near four-year World Cup and Euro 2012 and to have experienced it, you just absence, he said yesterday. says the experiences whetted his want it more and more. The 34-year-old Sunderland appetite for major tournament "I've been blessed to have player was recalled by manager football. gone to two major tournaments. Gareth Southgate for Wednes- "Just going to a major tour- So if I do get an opportunity to day's friendly against Germany nament -- travelling, getting to go to another major tournament, in Dortmund and Sunday's World the hotels, playing the games it'd be a dream." SPORT TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2017 25

Paralympic Day in Doha Qatar team at Special Olympics Winter Games

Students taking part in the Paralympic Day pose for a picture with Qatar Olympic Committee The Qatar team, taking part in the ongoing 11th Special Olympics World Winter Games Secretary General, Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, the President of Qatar School in Austria, poses for a picture during the opening ceremony on Sunday. The prestigious Sports Federation (QSSF), Rabea Al Kaabi, the QSSF Secretary General, Ali Al Hitmi, and games are bringing together 2,700 athletes from 107 countries, including 15 Arab countries. the Qatar Paralympic Committee (QPC) Secretary General Dr Hassan Al Ansari, in Doha The delegation is headed by Executive Director of Qatar Special Olympics Amir Al Mulla on Sunday. The event, held by the Organizing Committee of Schools Olympic Program along with Sarah Al Dosari. Abdullah Nasser Al Mannai, Saud Al Sulaiti, Khalifa Al Dosari (SOP) in collaboration with the QPC, brought together 712 students with special needs and Mohamed Jaber Al Bahih are representing Qatar at the games. Qatar is participating representing 70 schools who competed in several sport events. in the Special Olympics World Winter Games for the fourth time in a row. Federer, Vesnina win at Indian Wells

Indian Wells But Federer claimed a tightly AFP contested first set with a break in the 10th game, pushing oger Federer claimed Wawrinka into a forehand error a record-equalling to end a tense rally for a set point, fifth ATP Indian Wells on which Wawrinka sent another Masters title on Sun- forehand long. day, continuing his Wawrinka responded imme- Rcareer resurgence with a 6-4, 7-5 diately with a break to open the victory over Stan Wawrinka. first set -- after Federer had held Federer, sidelined some six all 42 of his service games in the months after knee surgery last tournament to that point. year, returned to win his 18th He had saved the lone break Grand Slam title at the Austral- point he faced -- in his straight- ian Open in January. sets thumping of Rafael Nadal in With Sunday's triumph in the the fourth round -- but sent a all-Swiss final, Federer joined backhand long on break point to Novak Djokovic as the only men give Wawrinka the advantage in to win five Indian Wells titles, Roger Federer of Switzerland throws his wristband to fans the set. Wawrinka then with- adding to those he won in 2004, in the stands as he celebrates after defeating compatriot stood two break points to hold 2005, 2006 and 2012. Stanislas Wawrinka in the men's final of the BNP Paribas Open for a 2-0 lead, which proved At 35, Federer is the oldest at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California on short-lived as Federer won the ATP player to win one of the elite Sunday. next three games to take a 3-2 Masters titles, supplanting Andre lead. Agassi who was 34 when he won year because of injury. "I'm not players that I did and the way I Finally Wawrinka found in Cincinnati in 2004. as surprised as I was in Australia, did. himself serving to save the "It's been just a fairytale but still this comes as a big, big "I couldn't be more happy. match. A backhand into the net week once again," said Federer, surprise to me, nevertheless, to It's an absolute, huge start to the gave Federer a chance, and he Roger Federer of Switzerland holds the BNP Paribas Open who missed Indian Wells last win here again and beating the year for me. Last year I didn't win seized it with a volley winner. trophy aloft after his win in the final. any titles. I don't think I was in Meanwhile, Elena Vesnina any finals except maybe Brisbane capped a stellar Indian Wells last year. The change is dramatic, campaign with a hard-fought 6-7 third disappointment in as many break points on my serve. She and it feels great." (6/8), 7-5, 6-4 triumph over fel- finals at Indian Wells, this one was 30-Love up couple of times The speedy progress means low Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova coming a decade after she fell in on her serves. And I always keep 10th-ranked Federer will have on Sunday. back to back finals in 2007 and coming back. I stick there, you to reassess his 2017 goals. Prior Playing in her first final at the 2008. A third set that, like the know. to the Australian Open his aim elite Premier Mandatory level, first two, featured multiple serv- "I was just not giving any- was to get his ranking to as high world number 15 Vesnina bat- ice breaks saw Kuznetsova take thing at that moment. I didn't as eighth by the time Wimble- tled through a tense three hours a 4-2 lead before Vesnina broke think about the end of the match. don was over. and one minute to subdue for 4-3 then won a marathon "And when I broke her at "The goals are clearly chang- eighth-ranked Kuznetsova, a ninth game in which Kuznets- 4-All and went to serve for the ing after this dream start," two-time Grand Slam champion. ova saved four break points match, I had this in my mind: I'm Federer said. The triumph comes a year after before Vesnina converted her not going to give it. I went to While Federer had won 19 of Vesnina, 30, fell in the first round fifth with a stinging service win- serve and I was, like, I'm never 22 prior meetings with of qualifying at Indian Wells and ner to find herself serving for the going to lose this game." Wawrinka -- including a semi- capped a tournament that saw match. After knocking a fore- For a time it seemed Kuznet- final win in Melbourne -- he her down both Germany's soon- hand wide on her first match sova's steadier play would win noted that his compatriot would to-be number one Angelique point, she secured the victory the day, but in the end it was be no easy mark as he played his Kerber and seven-time Grand when Kuznetsova's service Vesnina's aggression that paid Elena Vesnina of Russia holds the BNP Paribas Open trophy first tournament in America since Slam champion Venus return went long. "She was up off, even though her 49 unforced after her victory against compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova in winning the US Open in Williams. set and 4-1, then 4-2 in the third," errors out-stripped her 46 the women's final. September. For Kuznetsova, it was a Vesnina said. "She had so many winners.

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden Leishman wins Nordqvist holds off strong poses with the trophy after winning the Bank Of Hope Arnold Palmer Founders Cup at Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Invitational field to win Founders Cup Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday. Miami Phoenix Women's Open in July where golf at nearby Arizona State. AFP AFP she was assessed a two stroke "If it wouldn't be for me get- penalty in the playoff which ting an opportunity to come to ustralia's Marc Leish- nna Nordqvist closed with allowed Brittany Lang to the Arizona State University about man sank a 51-foot a four-under 68 at the claim the title. ten years ago, I wouldn't be here Aeagle putt on the 16th ALPGA Tour's Founders "Of all the wins this is prob- today," said Nordqvist. hole on Sunday and held off Cup on Sunday to hold off a trio ably one of the ones that's going "This truly still feels like a charging Rory McIlroy and of former major champions and to be more special," she said. home, even though I'm based in two others to capture the earn her first victory of 2017. Nordqvist's score to par Florida. Arnold Palmer Over the four days, Nor- came within two strokes of the "I have so many friends and Invitational. dqvist posted 26 birdies, one LPGA record of 27-under set family here. They feel like fam- One-putting the last four eagle and just three bogeys to in 2001 by fellow Swede ily, my US family. You know, holes at Bay Hill, the 33-year- finish at 25-under 263, two shots Annika Sorenstam and couldn't think of a better place old Aussie surged late to claim better than Thailand's Ariya Jut- matched last year by Kim Sei- to be. his first US victory since 2012. anugarn, South Korean Chun Young. All three rounds took "I'm just so happy to be back. "It just all came together," In-Gee and Stacy Lewis of the place in Phoenix. I wasn't even going to play a Leishman said. US. The win was the seventh on couple weeks ago and just Leishman fired a final- This is the first win for the the USLPGA Tour and ninth ended up adding it at the last round three-under par 69 to 29-year-old Swede since the internationally for Nordqvist, minute. Maybe it was meant to stand on 11-under 277 for 72 debacle at the 2016 US who played American college be." holes 26 SPORT TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2017

Taylor ruled out Marsh and Handscomb defy of third South Africa Test, Boult possible India as Aussies secure draw Wellington Reuters

Ranchi SCOREBOARD Jadeja, who claimed the ew Zealand batsman AFP prized scalp of Smith for 21, Ross Taylor has failed Australia (I innings): ...... 451 India (I innings): ...... 603/9 decl caused problems for all the Aus- N to recover from a calf ritty half-centuries Australia (II innings): tralian batsmen after the tourists injury and been ruled out of from Peter Hands- D Warner b Jadeja ...... 14 resumed the day on 23-2. the third Test against South comb and Shaun M Renshaw lbw I Sharma ...... 15 Fast bowler Ishant Sharma Africa, though frontline pace Marsh enabled Aus- N Lyon b Jadeja ...... 2 trapped Matt Renshaw lbw for bowler Trent Boult is looking tralia to hold out for S Smith b Jadeja ...... 21 15 in the morning session after likely to play, selector Gavin Ga draw in the third Test against S Marsh c Vijay b Jadeja ...... 53 an altercation between the two Larsen said yesterday. P Handscomb (not out) ...... 72 India yesterday, leaving the four- G Maxwell c Vijay b R Ashwin ...... 2 players seemed to have affected Boult (upper leg) and Tay- match series tantalisingly poised M Wade (not out) ...... 9 the left-handed batsman's lor (calf) were injured in the at 1-1. Extras (B-9, LB-4, NB-3)...... 16 concentration. drawn first Test in Dunedin Australia, who began their Total (for 6 wkts) ...... 204 But it was Smith's wicket that and missed the eight-wicket second innings 152 runs adrift of Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-23, 3-59, 4-63, 5-187, brought a raucous home crowd second Test defeat to the Pro- the hosts, were in deep trouble 6-190. to its feet after a quiet first hour teas at the Basin Reserve,

after being reduced to 63-4 in Bowling: R Ashwin 30-10-71-1; R Jadeja 44-18- of play. which ended inside three

54-4; U Yadav 15-2-36-0; I Sharma 11-0-30-1 Ranchi before Handscomb (72 (nb-3). Smith, who scored an days on Saturday. not out) and Marsh (53) put on unbeaten 178 in the first innings, Despite the humiliating 124 for the fifth wicket. tried to pad away a vicious turn- defeat, Larsen said the squad The tourists eventually of first innings centurion Glenn ing delivery from Jadeja but it would remain unchanged for reached 204 for 6 at stumps on Maxwell for two, giving India spun from outside leg to rattle the final game of the three- the fifth and final day, after the brief hope of a dramatic final the right-hander's off stump. match series at Seddon Park hosts made a mammoth 603-9 twist in the tale. Australia's comeback pace- in Hamilton, which starts on declared in their first innings. But a composed Handscomb man Pat Cummins claimed four Saturday. India's Ravindra Jadeja played out the remaining few wickets, including that of Virat "We've decided to go with claimed four wickets to return overs with Wade for company Kohli (6) who has managed just the same unit," Larsen told overall match figures of 9-178 at as Australia avoided defeat in 46 runs in the series. reporters in Wellington India's newest Test venue. their 800th Test. Kohli, who injured his shoul- yesterday. But it was Cheteshwar Pujara "I'm proud with the way the der while fielding on the opening The Seddon Park wicket (202) and Wriddhiman Saha (117) boys were able to stick it out day, did not take the field for the is expected to take turn, with who were the main stars of the today," said Australia skipper rest of Australia's innings but spinner Mitchell Santner match for India after their 199- Steve Smith. batted at his usual number four Australia's Peter Handscomb (left) and Shaun Marsh run likely to replace either of the run seventh-wicket stand on "The way Marsh and Hands- position. between the wickets on the final day of the third Test against Jimmy Neesham or Colin de Sunday. comb batted today was fantastic. Speaking after the match, India at Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium in Grandhomme in the side. The left-right batting com- I thought they played beautifully. Kohli said the hosts had given it Ranchi, yesterday. bine of Handscomb and Marsh They didn't look like they were their all and the series was now NEW ZEALAND SQUAD outmanoeuvered the Indian getting out for a while. I'm really set for a riveting finale, with Test 120 percent in this game, and Constant run-ins between New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (cap- bowlers during their 232-minute proud of them. cricket's two top-ranked teams that's what matters," said Kohli. the players of the two top sides tain), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Neil Broom, resistance, which was broken "It was a pretty nice wicket due to resume battle in Dharam- "As long as we keep doing continued to enliven the intense Henry Nicholls, Jimmy Neesham, BJ Watling, only late in the final session. so it was important to score big sala next Saturday. that, I'm sure we're going to be rivalry that reached boiling point Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim

Jadeja dismissed Marsh and first innings. India batted beau- "We've played some really in good positions in Test cricket. in the previous game when Kohli Southee, Jeetan Patel, Neil Wagner, Trent his fellow spinner Ravichandran tifully. It was nice to be among great cricket. We want to con- Another game in Dharamsala to accused Smith of abusing the Boult, Matt Henry. Ashwin then claimed the wicket the runs." tinue the same. We've given out go, and we're ready for it." decision review system.

Bernardeschi Messi fires a brace as Barcelona and Gabbiadini out of squad edge Valencia in six-goal thriller due to injury Milan Madrid Reuters AFP Barcelona's celebrates his second trikers Manolo Gabbi- arcelona closed to within adini and Federico Timo Werner goal against Valencia two points of Real Madrid during their La Liga S Bernardeschi have been Bat the top of La Liga as match at Camp Nou in ruled out of Italy's interna- Lionel Messi scored twice in a Barcelona on Sunday. tionals against Albania and Werner set thrilling 4-2 win over 10-man the Netherlands due to injury, Valencia at Camp Nou on the Italian FA said for debut as Sunday. yesterday. Earlier, Antoine Griezmann Italy host Albania in a Podolski bids scored a stunning free-kick as World Cup qualifier on Fri- Atletico Madrid compounded a day and travel to the week to forget for Sevilla with a Netherlands for a friendly farewell 3-1 at the Vicente Calderon. four days later. Barca needed to come from Gabbiadini, 25, who has behind to keep the pressure on been in fine form at South- AFP Madrid as Eliaquim Mangala ampton, will not add to his six headed Valencia in front. international caps after sus- orld champions But the on-loan Manchester taining a groin injury in the Germany open City defender was sent-off for English Wtheir 2017 cam- pulling down Luis Suarez after team's 2-1 defeat by Totten- paign by bidding farewell to the Uruguayan had levelled and ham Hotspur on Sunday. veteran forward Lukas Podol- Messi smashed home the result- Bernardeschi, 23, who ski while rising star Timo ing penalty. plays for Fiorentina in Serie Werner is set to make his Munir El Haddadi briefly lev- 3-4-3 system. An action packed advantage count, though, and and have seen their lead over A, did not play at the week- debut against Gareth South- elled for the 10 men before final 15 minutes of the first-half they did so despite missing a host Atletico in third place in La Liga end due to "persistent ankle gate's tomorrow. half-time, but Messi and finally saw four goals and a red card. of chances after the break. now whittled down to two pain". Germany's head coach Andre Gomes with his first Barca Barca's weakness from set- Messi drilled home at Alves's points. A third straight league Joachim Loew believes he has goal sealed the three points. pieces was exposed again a near post seven minutes into the win moves Diego Simeone's men ITALY SQUAD his answer and wants to Madrid still also have a game week on from conceding twice second period for his 41st goal seven points clear of Real Socie- Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), blood Werner with one eye in hand over their title rivals. from corners in a 2-1 defeat at of the season. dad and Villarreal in the battle Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Alex on June's Confederations Cup Enrique named the same Deportivo la Coruna when Man- Suarez somehow slotted for fourth. Meret (Spal 2013) in Russia. side that beat Paris Saint-Ger- gala powered home Dani wide with the goal gaping after And the Atletico fans also Defenders: Davide Astori (Fiorentina), And- The 21-year-old fleet- main 6-1 10 days ago to progress Parejo's corner to open the scor- Alves had denied Messi his hat- celebrated the return of Fern- rea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci footed striker drew the to the Champions League quar- ing. The lead lasted just six trick, whilst Neymar hit the bar. ando Torres for the first time (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Manchester attention of Loew, and Liver- ter-finals in stunning fashion. minutes as Suarez raced onto But Barca finally put the since he was knocked uncon- United), Danilo D’Ambrosio (Inter Milan), pool, according to reports, And whilst not matching that Neymar's throw-in to slot into game to bed a minute from time scious in a sickening head clash Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Alessio Romag- with a series of dynamic per- drama, there was no shortage of the far corner. when Neymar crossed for at Deportivo la Coruna on March noli (AC Milan), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), formances and has so far action as Valencia showed up the Mangala went from hero to Gomes to tap home against his 2. Leonardo Spinazzola (Atalanta), Davide bagged 14 goals for Leipzig in defensive flaws in Enrique's new villain as he then pulled down old side. Defeat realistically ends Zappacosta (Torino) their first Bundesliga Suarez inside the area to con- At the Calderon, Griezmann Sevilla's already fading shot at : Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), season. LA LIGA RESULTS cede a penalty and be sent-off. shone for Atletico once more as the title as they fall eight points Leganes 0 Malaga 0 Roberto Gagliardini (Inter Milan), Marco Werner admitted he Messi beat penalty special- he teed up Diego Godin's opener behind Real Madrid. Parolo (Lazio), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint nearly crashed his car when Atletico Madrid 3 (Godin 37, Griezmann 60, ist Diego Alves from the spot. and then struck a stunning free- And coach Jorge Sampaoli Koke 77) Sevilla 1 (Correa 85) Germain) the Germany call-up came. However, straight from kick- kick for his 22nd goal of the claimed he has to rediscover the Wingers: Federico Antonio Candreva (Inter "I had to be careful not to Sporting Gijon 3 (Traore 60, Babin 64, Carmona off Barca were caught cold as season. Koke added Atletico's "real Sevilla" during the inter- 67) Granada 1 (Ingason 51) Milan), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Matteo tear the wheel off," Werner Jose Gaya teed up Munir El third before Joaquin Correa reg- national break after four games Politano (Sassuolo), Nicola Sansone (Villar- told Die Welt. Deportivo la Coruna 0 Celta Vigo 1 (Aspas 74) Haddadi to score against his par- istered a consolation for Sevilla. without a win. Barcelona 4 (Suarez 35, Messi 45-pen, 52, An- real), Simone Verdi (Bologna) "I had just been shopping ent club for the second time this Sevilla were dumped out of "We have come from a very Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Eder Cita-

and had to pull over. If I play dre Gomes 89) Valencia 2 (Mangala 29, El season. the Champions League by Atleti- hard blow to take and now we

Haddadi 45+1) din Martins (Inter Milan), Andrea Petagna

in my first international, it The champions still had 45 co's quarter-final opponents have to find solutions and the (Atalanta), Ciro Immobile (Lazio) will be an honour." minutes to make their man Leicester City on Wednesday real Sevilla," he said. TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2017 SPORT 27

Riders gear up for Idemitsu Qatar set to open intriguing Asia Talent Cup at Losail Circuit season with iconic night race The Peninsula t’s sure to be another excit- The Peninsula ing weekend for the IIdemitsu Asia Talent Cup orld's best rid- at Losail International Circuit ers are eyeing in Qatar this weekend, as the to start their grid share the billing with the season on a first race of the 2017 FIM high as MotoGP World WQatar's Losail International Cir- Championship. cuit is set to kick start the 2017 After an impressive debut MotoGP season this weekend. weekend with some fantas- The year 2016 was a history tic racing and competition in maker of nine different winners, the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, Independent Team glory and the desert venue – outside another incredible Champion- Doha – now awaits the thrill- ship win for Repsol Honda ing action. Team’s Marc Marquez – despite Deniz Oncu did the dou- what had seemed like an ble in Buriram as the young incredible hurdle to climb as Turk came out fighting, and preseason came to a close. this next race weekend gives But 2017 is the deepest grid him a chance to take a formi- ever, with ten World Champi- The new MotoGP season will dable early lead – but the ons sharing 29 titles between start at Losail International chasing pack know it’s their them - some gearing up to add Circuit this weekend. chance to hit back. to their legends, some wanting Podium finishes in Thai- to start writing them – and an land behind Oncu were unbelievable total of 197 pre- team-mate Dani Pedrosa have in the premier class – make for Espargaro and rookie Sam (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) Malaysian Azroy Anuar and mier class victories shared by been much happier in presea- good reading ahead of the sea- Lowes at Aprilia Racing Team will be looking to get off to a flier Japanese rider Ryusei the class of 2017. son, despite some crashes for son opener. Gresini , and reigning Moto2 first time out, as well as the guys Yamanaka in Race 1, with Last year was then, and this the rider from Cervera. Mar- Rossi’s last win at Losail was Champion Johann Zarco and who are looking to join that fight: Race 2 another success for is now. quez’ record at Losail is good in 2015 in a stunning season Jonas Folger at Monster Yamaha Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Yamanaka – this time joined Pre-season has given some – two podiums and a win from opener. After a difficult presea- Tech 3 as the Independent Honda Team Asia), Lorenzo Bal- on the rostrum by compatriot incredible indications of the four races in the premier class son, the ‘Doctor’ will be hoping Team take on two newcomers dassarri (Forward Team) and Haruki Noguchi. new season. – but the Spaniard says the for the hand to fall as it did on to the premier class. 2014 Moto3 World Champion There were a number of Stealing the headlines has track is not suited to the Honda, Day 2 of the Qatar Test, which Red Bull KTM Factory Rac- Alex Marquez (Estrella Galicia 0,0 strong performances from been Movistar Yamaha MotoGP and wrapped up the test in saw the Italian shoot up the ing are also ready to race, after a Marc VDS). 25 points per race other riders in the hotly con- newcomer Maverick Vinales – Qatar wanting to fight for the timesheets as track conditions long period of testing and a huge starts at Losail, regardless of the tested races – and Azroy in who topped every test – as podium under the floodlights. were favourable. amount of data gathered in pre- pressure that amps up through- particular will be out to prove team-mate Valentino Rossi Team-mate Pedrosa has The timesheets aside, the season. The Austrian factory now out the season. his form after a podium in seemed to struggle more to had a tougher time at Losail, but rider from Tavullia is also a look down the barrel of their first With Brad Binder gone to Race 1 in Thailand followed unlock the potential of the the ‘Baby Samurai’ shone dur- Sunday specialist – and always outing with Pol Espargaro and Moto2, there will be a new by a DNF on Sunday. package, with a deficit to his ing testing throughout winter. has been. Points are awarded Bradley Smith as they line up full champion in the lightweight Indonesian Gerry Salim team-mate on the timesheets. With Vinales out front in on race day, and the veteran of time – also becoming the only class in 2017 – and the impres- should be a tough rival in Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) every test, only one other rider the field knows that fact well. manufacturer to have a presence sive rookies of 2016 are sure to Qatar, taking a win and a has made huge leaps forward has been in the top five overall Vinales is at the other end on each grid – MotoGP, Moto2 be some of the first to get in gear podium last year. in red, “aero-fairings” have at Sepang, Phillip Island and of the spectrum of experience. and Moto3. when the lights go out in Qatar. A stunning venue under come calling as wings get Losail – Pedrosa. But with two seasons in the pre- It’s been a long winter, but Rookie of the Year Joan Mir the sun or the floodlights, banned, and there has been a After a tough start to 2016 mier class under his belt and a 2017 really does start now. The (Leopard Racing) and podium Losail is a ribbon of 5.4km rider shuffle across half the grid. followed by that stunning win full house of being the fastest lights go out in Qatar on Sun- finishers Nicolo Bulega (Sky with 6 left-handers and 10 Rewind a year and Repsol in Misano, progress for the man in testing, the young gun day – when the flag drops, and Racing Team VR46), Bo Bend- right – another fantastic chal- Honda Team were facing down Spaniard is still very much an seems one to beat. On potential the talking stops. sneyder (Red Bull KTM Ajo), and lenge for the class of 2017. what looked like would be a upward curve. alone, the trophy has a name Moto2 is another strong Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0) Salim took the win in tough season. An upward curve is some- penciled on it. field once again in 2017, with a are now sophomores spoiling Race 1 in 2016, which was This year, both reigning thing mirrored by old nemesis Some of the others making huge amount of competition for a fight – as well as Fabio Di also his first victory in the Cup champions Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo. Team-mate a switch for 2017 are former ready to hit the gas in Qatar. Giannantonio (Del Conca and is sure to make Losail a Andrea Dovizioso has concen- Losail podium finisher Andrea Last year’s title contenders Gresini Moto3), as the Italian place of good memories for Grand Prix of Qatar trated on development and Iannone and rookie Alex Rins like Tom Lüthi (CarXpert Inter- comes back from a collarbone the Indonesian. on Sunday testing parts for the new cam- at Team Suzuki Ecstar, Aleix wetten) and Franco Morbidelli break in pre-season. Andi Izdihar took the paign – with positive results second victory of the week- The current year is the – whilst Lorenzo has simply end the following day – but deepest grid ever with focused on adaptation. Salim was on the podium ten World Champions That has paid off, with the once again in what seems sharing 29 titles ‘Spartan’ moving up from well like a good omen ahead of between them gearing outside the top ten to complete this year. the top four overall at the close Looking further back, up to add to their of action in the #QatarTest. 2015 had more tight finishes, legends ‘DesmoDovi’ has a good podium a win for Takuma Kunimine record at Losail International in Race 1 and a first ever win Pre-season has given Circuit and the Desmosedici for Izdihar in Race 2 - which some incredible goes well at the venue – but was also the first for Indone- indications of the new Lorenzo is the king of the desert. sia. 2014 saw Yuta Date take season Six victories for the ‘Spar- the victory from pole in what tan’ – half of which have been Valentino Rossi Jorge Lorenzo Marc Marquez was the first ever race in the Asia Talent Cup. Nakagami and Fenati reign in pre-season testing

The Peninsula (CarXpert Interwetten) was sixth, with Moto3) by a tiny 0.039 margin. rookie Fabio Quartararo (Pons HP 40) Martin suffered a crash at T15 on n day 1 it was rain, on day 2 it was impressing in seventh. Xavi Vierge (Tech Saturday but escaped with only a small good running, and day 3 ended 3 Racing) added to the diverse chassis contusion to his hand. Third on the Oin a sandstorm and thunder and competition on the Tech 3 machine in timesheets remained Aron Canet lightning. P8, just ahead of the first Suter on the (Estrella Galicia 0,0), again incredibly High winds throughout the day gave timesheets of 2015 Moto3 World Cham- close and only a further 0.020 in arrears. way to rain and sand by the third Moto3 pion Danny Kent (Kiefer Racing) with a Gabriel Rodrigo (RBA Boe Racing session, with the final outing for Moto2 2:01.236. Team) impressed to take fourth overall pre-season then cancelled. RW Racing GP rider Axel Pons with a 2:06.957, with Belgian Leopard Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda debuted with his new team in P10, only Racing rider Livio Loi locking out the Team Asia) was therefore top overall 0.016 off Kent. top five. after his 2:00.187 on day 2, with EG0,0 Moto2 will next be on track for FP1 Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team Marc VDS rider Franco Morbidelli only at Losail on Thursday as the first race VR46) took sixth on combined to com- 0.053 back. 2014 Moto3 World Cham- weekend of the year gets into gear. plete an impressive pre-season, just in pion Alex Marquez (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Meanwhile, after a day 1 that fell vic- front of lightning rookie Ayumu Sasaki Marc VDS) ended his preseason in P3 tim to rain followed by a more useful (SIC Racing Team). Sasaki has also raced after topping Jerez, 0.240 off P1. day 2, the third and final outing for the at the track in the Asia Talent Cup on Hafizh Syahrin (Petronas Raceline Moto3 grid at Losail International Cir- the Road to MotoGP. Malaysia) was an impressive P4 only half cuit saw the weather return as a key Niccolo Antonelli (Red Bull KTM Ajo), a second back, with Miguel Oliveira (Red protagonist. Juanfran Guevara (RBA BOE Racing Bull KTM Ajo) keeping the new KTM That left the big names from com- Team) and Philipp Oettl (Südmetall chassis in the top five on a 2:00.861. His bined times on day 2 holding on to their Schedl GP Racing) completed the top team-mate - reigning Moto3™ World places on the timesheets. ten, with Jakub Kornfeil (Peugeot MC Champion Brad Binder - was 1.6 sec- Returning Romano Fenati (Marinelli Saxoprint) in P11 and British Talent Team Takaaki Nakagami of JPN-Kalex topped the timesheets in Moto2 pre-season onds off P1 as he returns from injury. Rivacold Snipers) kept his throne, ahead rider John McPhee debuting the new testing at the Losail International Circuit earlier this week. 2016 contender Tom Lüthi of Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini outfit in P12.