After FP3, in which Fabio Quartararo was the fastest, several drivers were excluded from direct qualifying for Q2. The ten fastest drivers will automatically compete in the second qualifying, while the rest will have to pass through Q1 to get two of the places for Q2.
In that sense, Joan Mir was the one who came closest to qualifying. The 2020 champion finished 0.25 seconds behind Alex Marquez with Suzuki rider Franco Morbidelli – last year’s runner-up – behind him. Maverick Viñales was third fastest in the line of riders excluded from Q2, followed by Alex Rins.
In addition to these works team drivers – with the exception of Morbidelli – Brad Binder and Pol Espargaro were also excluded from qualifying and must be present in the first MotoGP qualifying.