Andrea Dovizioso has been named favourite by his rivals to take today's MotoGP win in Qatar as his race pace and ability to manage the soft rear Michelin are two crucial factors.

The Italian starts from the middle of row two after yesterday's qualifying as the works Ducait man didn't quite get a perfect lap during his second run but it means he can get away with the lead group and put the GP18's top speed advantage to good use.

“Dovi looks the favourite, surely. Even though he's fifth, he surely looks the favourite. By the end of the first lap, he can pass two on the first straight. Easy," said former team-mate Cal Crutchlow.

“Dovizioso I think is the stronger one because he is very able to manage the tyres until the end,” Danilo Petrucci said. “I think Dovi has got a little bit more in this moment in managing the tyre.”

Reigning champion Marc Marquez added: “I think the fastest guy is Andrea, he has a very good pace and he is favourite for the race.”