Lusail, Qatar, November 4, 2026: As MotoGP prepares for a potentially title-deciding weekend at the Lusail International Circuit, fans can revisit some of the most memorable races in the history of the Qatar Grand Prix. With Round 20 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship taking place under the floodlights, the iconic circuit has provided plenty of unforgettable battles over the years.

From Valentino Rossi’s last-lap duel with Marco Melandri to Marc Marquez’s thrilling encounters with Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso, Lusail has witnessed some of the finest wheel-to-wheel racing in the premier class.

To build anticipation ahead of this year’s Qatar GP, MotoGP has selected five classic races from the circuit’s history that fans can watch for free.

1. 2005 Qatar GP: Valentino Rossi Holds Off Marco Melandri

The 2005 Qatar Grand Prix delivered a memorable last-lap battle between Valentino Rossi and Marco Melandri. Racing during Rossi’s second season with Yamaha, the Italian was enjoying a dominant campaign, while Melandri was emerging as a contender for the championship runner-up position.

Melandri made a bold move on the final lap into Turn 12, attempting to snatch his maiden premier-class victory. However, he ran wide, allowing Rossi to retain the lead and secure another Grand Prix win.

The victory also brought Rossi closer to his fifth MotoGP World Championship and made him the first rider to win 10 Grands Prix in a single season.

2. 2013 Qatar GP: Marc Marquez Makes His MotoGP Debut

The 2013 Qatar Grand Prix marked the beginning of a new era in MotoGP, with Marc Marquez making his debut in the premier class.

Although Marquez was immediately competitive, defending champion Jorge Lorenzo ultimately took victory. The battle for second place, however, produced another memorable encounter between Marquez and Valentino Rossi.

Rossi, who had returned to Yamaha after his stint with Ducati, was chasing another MotoGP title. An early mistake dropped him down the order, but the Italian fought his way back through the field before engaging in a thrilling battle with the rookie Marquez.

This time, experience prevailed, with Rossi finishing ahead of the young Spaniard. However, their rivalry would take a different turn the following season.

3. 2014 Qatar GP: Marc Marquez vs Valentino Rossi for Victory

The 2014 Qatar Grand Prix produced one of the most memorable battles between Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, with the two riders fighting for victory under the Lusail floodlights.

Marquez, now the defending MotoGP World Champion, faced a determined Rossi in a thrilling contest that saw the pair exchange positions repeatedly during the closing stages.

With two laps remaining, the riders swapped places four times. Rossi attempted another decisive move at Turn 10, but Marquez held his ground to secure victory.

The win marked the beginning of a remarkable run of 10 consecutive Grand Prix victories for the Spanish rider.

Dani Pedrosa completed the podium in third place, making it a memorable start to Marquez’s title defence.

4. 2018 Qatar GP: Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso Begin Their Rivalry

The 2018 Qatar Grand Prix delivered another classic last-lap showdown between Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso, continuing a rivalry that had become one of MotoGP’s defining storylines.

Dovizioso led into the final two laps, with Marquez pushing hard to challenge the Ducati rider. Valentino Rossi was also in contention, running third and keeping the leading pair within reach.

The battle came down to the final lap, when Marquez attempted a decisive move at the last corner. However, the Spaniard ran wide, allowing Dovizioso to retake the lead and secure victory.

The Italian’s composed response ensured Ducati began the season with a win, while Dovizioso took the early championship lead.

5. 2019 Qatar GP: Dovizioso and Marquez Deliver Another Thriller

The 2019 Qatar Grand Prix continued the rivalry between Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez, with the Ducati and Honda riders once again fighting for victory until the final corner.

Dovizioso led through the closing stages, but Marquez was determined to find a way past. Unlike the previous year, the Spaniard attempted his moves earlier, first at Turn 10 and then at Turn 12, but Dovizioso successfully defended his position.

The contest eventually went down to the final corner, where Marquez made another late attempt to overtake. However, he ran wide, allowing Dovizioso to regain control and hold off the Honda rider to the chequered flag.

It was another spectacular Qatar GP encounter and a reminder of the intense battles between the two championship rivals during that period.

Qatar GP Set for Another Chapter in MotoGP History

While these five races remain among the standout moments from Lusail’s MotoGP history, the circuit has also witnessed maiden premier-class victories for Casey Stoner, Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio.

The 2026 edition could add another memorable chapter to that history, with the championship battle reaching a crucial stage. Marc Marquez arrives at Round 20 with a 44-point advantage over Jorge Martin, leaving the Ducati Lenovo Team rider in sight of a potential first championship match point.