Opening race of the 2012 MotoGP season was worth waiting for, as it brought some exciting racing and unexpected twists that we did not see many times previous season. Jorge Lorenzo came out as a winner of the Qatar race, which for the most of the time seemed to be just another of Casey Stoner dominant appearances. However, with few laps remaining, arm pump problems forced leading Stoner to slow down which give chance hard-working Lorenzo to get in front and hold-off charging Pedrosa, who beat his team-mate for second place.

Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso led race-long battle for fourth place, time time won by Crutchlow. Nicky Hayden raced hard to 6th place in a group that included Bautista, Bradl and Barbera. Valentino Rossi finished in dissapointing 10th place as he run-off the track in lap 5 while battling with Barbera for 9th place.

Ben Spies issued chatter problems and ended race as last (11th) of MotoGP riders, while Colin Edwards took the glory of the best CRT finisher in first ever MotoGP race that included CRT bikes.