Vinales wins 2017 Qatar MotoGP

The number of laps were reduced, and there were two warm up laps instead of the single sighting lap. When the lights went out, the biggest surprise was Johann Zarco, who entered the lead with ease and started pulling away. But then just like that, he crashed out of the race and the factory bikes were at the forefront again.

The Honda is clearly having trouble putting the power down; Marquez was passed by Iannone on the Suzuki down the main straight a couple of times, and by the factory Yamahas as well. However, that didn't stop him from fighting for second position with Vinales. At the front, Dovizioso was running away with the lead.

However, the soft rear on the Ducati started dropping off near the end of the race, letting the Yamahas catch up. After a duel with Vinales, the  Ducati had to concede the lead. Rossi was in the hunt for second place, but a mistake by him meant he dropped back just enough to be out of the fight with Dovizioso. 

Notes:

 - Vinales joins Rossi, Biaggi, Stoner, and Dovizioso as the only men to win on bikes with different manufacturers in MotoGP.

 - Rossi in third is a vintage performance. He didn't like the feeling with the bike all weekend. Yet, come raceday...

 - Marquez ended up fourth, Pedrosa fifth.

 - Alex Rins was first of the rookies in ninth place, ahead of Jonas Folger.

 - Johann Zarco had the fastest lap of the race.

 - It wasn't Lorenzo's day, him finishing in 11th.

 - The KTMs brought up the rear, with only Lowes slower on the Aprilia.