The Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar was indeed an exciting opening round to the 2021 MotoGP world championship as Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP's Maverick Vinales drew first blood. It was a sensational start for the Ducatis (and their much-improved holeshot devices), but 'Top Gun' made his mark by crossing the chequered flag in the first place and collecting 25 points.

Starting from P2, the start of the race quickly went to Ducati's favour as Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Johann Zarco, and Jorge Martin all shot past the entire field and were at the front of the pack by Turn 1. Pramac's Jorge Martin showed the most impressive start as he shot to the front of the pack from P14.

Your #QatarGP 🇶🇦 winner! 🏆@mvkoficial12 makes a statement on the opening night of 2021! 🔥#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/Fkx16mFlVK

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) March 28, 2021

The Yamahas weren't that far behind as Vinales together with his teammate, Fabio Quartararo, and Petronas Yamaha SRT's Valentino Rossi all showed great pace despite losing out to top-end speed at the front straight against the might of the Ducati Desmosedici GP21.

Nevertheless, Vinales showed what he's capable of on the new Yamaha YZR-M1 and its cornering and handling prowess, towards the middle of the race as the bike gets lighter with less fuel. At the end of the race, the Spaniard was one second ahead of Pramac Ducati's Johann Zarco and Ducati factory rider, Francesco Bagnaia, who finished in second and third respectively.

It's a shame that Suzuki's Joan Mir (and this season's defending champion) had to succumb to Ducati's ultimate top speed performance as his P2 finish was nicked away out of the final corner by both Zarco and Bagnaia.

All top ten finishers were also very impressive which includes the likes of both Suzuki Ecstar riders, Joan Mir and Alex Rins (P4 and P6), Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro (P7), Repsol Honda's Pol Espargaro (P8), and Esponsorama Racing's rookie, Enea Bastianini (P10).

More MotoGP action will come this coming weekend at the same track for the Tissot Grand Prix of Doha at the Losail International Circuit.

Image source: MotoGP