On 22 January 2021 Dorna announced a significant update of the provisional calendar following the postponement of the Argentine and American Grands Prix, originally scheduled as the second and third rounds of the championship (on 11 and 18 April respectively) due to the COVID-19 situation in both countries, with potential rescheduling for the last quarter of 2021.

The organizers of the Qatar Grand Prix have signed a contract with Dorna Sports, owner of the sport's commercial rights, to host a double stage at the Losail International Circuit, becoming the sixth circuit in the history to host two consecutive World Championship races, and is the first time to be held in Qatar.

After winning the Qatar Grand Prix, Maverick Viñales leads the riders' ranking with 25 points, followed by Johann Zarco (20), Francesco Bagnaia (16), Joan Mir (13) and Fabio Quartararo (11).

After the first race of the season, Sam Lowes leads the intermediate class with 25 points, 5 more than Remy Gardner, 9 more than Fabio Di Giannantonio, 12 more than Marco Bezzecchi and 14 more than Raúl Fernández.

In the lightest class the top five places are occupied by Jaume Masiá, with 25 points, Pedro Acosta (20), Darryn Binder (16), Sergio García (13) and Gabriel Rodrigo (11).

In the first session, Aleix Espargaró finished at the top of the standings ahead of Álex Rins and Maverick Viñales.

In the third session, Fabio Quartararo was the best ahead of Rins and Joan Mir's Suzuki The top ten bikers (written in bold) qualified in Q2.