Alex Marquez Tops Tight Opening Day at Portimao as 0.088s Splits Top Three

Bagnaia and Acosta close behind as Gresini star sets early MotoGP benchmark at Algarve International Circuit

Portimao, Portugal — November 8, 2025: The MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix roared into life on Friday with a breathtakingly close opening day at the Algarve International Circuit, where just 0.088 seconds separated the top three riders. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) led the field with a scintillating 1:37.974, edging out Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and rookie sensation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in a thrilling start to the weekend.

Marquez Makes His Mark

From the opening laps, Alex Marquez looked in control, setting the early pace ahead of Acosta and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR). The Spaniard maintained his momentum throughout the session, even as the clouds rolled in and rain flags began to wave across the circuit.

Despite light drizzle, the intensity didn’t drop. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3) impressed while standing in for Maverick Viñales, going fourth fastest, while Bagnaia hovered just behind in fifth.

Acosta Attacks, Marquez Responds

As the track conditions shifted, Acosta launched a late charge — clocking a 1:38.062 to briefly take the top spot by over two-tenths. But Marquez wasn’t done. With eight minutes left on the clock, the Gresini rider became the first to dip into the 1:37s, reclaiming P1 with authority.

Elsewhere, several riders made late-session gains. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) all improved to break into the top 10. However, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) endured a rough session, crashing at Turn 5 just as Yamaha’s struggles continued.

Bagnaia Fights Back

Double World Champion Bagnaia found himself in danger of missing an automatic Q2 slot late in the session after slipping to P11, but the Ducati ace responded decisively. A blistering late lap vaulted him to P7, before another push brought him within 0.048s of Marquez’s benchmark — enough for P2 to close Day 1.

Quartararo, despite his best efforts, failed to break back into the top 10, while Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol)narrowly missed out after briefly climbing to ninth.

Friday Top 10 – MotoGP Portuguese GP 2025 (Day 1)

1. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) – 1:37.974
2. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – +0.048s
3. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – +0.088s
4. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) – +0.142s
5. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) – +0.217s
6. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) – +0.244s
7. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) – +0.298s
8. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) – +0.316s
9. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3) – +0.379s
10. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) – +0.484s

Rain, Rivalries, and a Sprint Ahead

With half a second covering the top 11, Saturday’s Tissot Sprint and qualifying sessions promise fierce battles. The likes of Quartararo, Marini, and Rins will need to fight through Q1, while Marquez, Bagnaia, and Acosta head into Day 2 looking like the trio to beat in Portugal.

The stage is set for another intense weekend of MotoGP action at Portimao — with rain potentially adding another twist to an already unpredictable grid.