Long-time Qatar MotoGP race leader Johann Zarco was forced to settle for eighth after he was hit by a problem with his front tyre.
The Tech3 rider stunned on his MotoGP debut last year when he led for the opening six laps, and repeated the feat again from the start on Sunday's race – though this time for 18 tours.
Zarco began to notice a “strange feeling” from the front tyre close to mid distance, but thought those around him would suffer the same thing.
However, the problem worsened in the closing stages, with Zarco struggling to keep the bike upright as the front slid through corners.
“After eight or nine laps I felt a strange feeling on the front [tyre], so I got worried and thought maybe my opponents will have the same problem,” he said.
“So I was waiting in front, thinking maybe they will have the same problem. Then, with five laps to the end, this problem was getting worse with the front tyre.
“And when they overtook me I could not fight because I was struggling too much. I was going into the corner, and when I want to turn the bike it was sliding, almost crash.
“So I had to brave [it] and try to keep my position, but my pace slow down too much.”
Despite the technical issue, Zarco was nevertheless pleased to lead the race for so long, and believes he will be winning races this season if he can continue to replicate his Qatar race performance.
“I must be happy, I was happy to lead the race, many laps,” the Tech3 rider beamed.
“Happy also that it was good under control, not fast enough to go away, so I was waiting, maybe my opponents overtake me and we start to fight.
“But I was able to stay in front, and I enjoyed this moment. I was controlling well the rear grip.
“So, I enjoyed that I led the race and doing races in this way, when I am in this way, I will be fighting for victory.”
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