Just when we thought we had seen it all, a new script change shook up the first day of action at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. After failing to make it into the top 15 in Practice at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) will have to compete in Q1 on Saturday as he hopes to bag himself access in the final fight for pole position, whereby his title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) already has a place. 

Pecco will have to fight alongside some heavy hitters in Q1 including Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). Although it is to be expected that the latter will not overshadow his teammate, the same cannot be said for the others.

We already know how much of a threat Quartararo can be. The flying Frenchman recovered back from 13th on the grid to bag a Top 5 finish in Qatar, whilst Alex Marquez and Luca Marini already know what it takes to take pole position, as they already have done this season. All three riders are not to be underestimated and could prove to be thorns in the side of the World Champion.

However, in the event that Ducati's golden boy fails to make the Q2 cut, all would not be lost. Bagnaia has proven he can win from outside the top 12, after taking victory in Indonesia from P13. The Valencia GP promises nail-biting action in qualifying on Saturday before Pecco himself heads out for his first match point during the Tissot Sprint. Can he clinch it before the Grand Prix? Or will Martin force his hand to ensure a Grand Prix finale? Find out this Saturday at 10.50 local time (GMT +1)!