We arrived in Qatar after a tough weekend in Malaysia, where we’d struggled more than expected. But we knew we had a competitive bike and we were really eager to get back to fighting at the front.

Lusail is a pretty special track. We race at night, under the floodlights, with sand that can change the track conditions and corners where you have to be really precise. It’s not an easy circuit, especially when you have to manage your tyres throughout the race.

But right from the first practice sessions, the feeling was good. The bike was working well, I could ride the way I wanted to, and we had the pace to be competitive.

On Saturday, we managed to put together a great lap in qualifying.

Pole position, with a new lap record: 1’50.028.

My fifth pole of the season and Aprilia’s first in MotoGP here in Qatar. And considering I’d never managed to qualify inside the top ten at Lusail in MotoGP before, I’d say that was a pretty big step forward.

I was really happy, especially for all the guys in the team. We’d worked well, and putting everything together over a single lap is always a great feeling.

Then came the Sprint, and things went a little differently.

The race was red-flagged and, after the restart, we were still up there fighting at the front. On lap four, I tried to hold my line on the inside of Turn 1, there was contact with Marc, and a moment later I found myself on the ground.

End of the Sprint.

I wasn’t happy at all, obviously. When you’ve got the speed to fight for a win and it ends like that, it really gets on your nerves.

The stewards ruled it a racing incident, with no penalties. I accepted their decision and, in any case, there was no point in arguing about it. It would only have taken away focus and energy from Sunday’s race, which was what really mattered to us.

On Sunday, we went into the race with a clear plan: push hard from the start, try to build a gap, and then manage the race.

I got a good start from pole and managed to take the lead right from the first corner. I pushed hard in the opening laps to pull away from the others, and once I’d built a good advantage, I started managing things.

With the tyre wear, both front and rear, I had to be really careful. I needed to stay fast without asking too much of the bike, especially in the second half of the race.

It wasn’t easy, but the feeling was good and I managed to control the gap all the way to the chequered flag.

First place.

My sixth win of the season. And, most importantly, one of those races where everything goes exactly the way you planned.

After Saturday’s disappointment, winning like that felt even better.

They also told me I’m the first rider in premier class history to take my first twelve victories at twelve different circuits.

Not bad, eh?

But beyond the numbers, what makes me happiest is the work we’re doing with Aprilia. This was the team’s first win here in Qatar, an important result when you think about how much we’ve grown and how many different tracks we’ve managed to be competitive at this year.

As for the Championship, we know the situation is complicated. There are two races left and the gap is still big, but as long as there’s still a mathematical chance, I want to keep believing.

And above all, I want to keep winning.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what we work for every single day.

Now we’re heading home to get some rest and prepare as well as possible for Portimão.

But first, I want to thank all the guys in the team, Aprilia, and everyone who keeps supporting us.

This win is yours too.

After the Saturday we’d had, we really needed this one.

See you in Portugal.