After earlier bad weather and reduced grip since FP1 despite a dry track, it was Octo Pramac Racing rider Scott Redding who shot up the timesheets in the final minutes of the second session in Qatar – setting a 1:55.085 to win a shootout in the final minutes.
Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso was P2, with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rookie duo Jonas Folger and Johann Zarco just behind. Maverick Vinales (Yamaha MotoGP) was P5.
Vinales – who is still top overall with his laptime from FP1 – also suffered his first crash of the year as he lost his M1 in Turn 4 when in front of teammate Valentino Rossi on track. The ‘Doctor’ was P6 on the timesheets by the flag.
Alvaro Bautista (Aspar Team), Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team), reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Honda Team) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) completed the top ten.
FP3 is the grid’s final chance to gain automatic entry to Q2 qualifying, with eyes on the sky as the weather threatens.