Assen, Netherlands, June 27,2026: Marco Bezzecchi continued his sensational 2026 MotoGP form by setting the fastest time on Friday at the TT Circuit Assen, bouncing back emphatically from the Czech Grand Prix to lead the opening day of the MotoGP Dutch Grand Prix. The Aprilia Racing rider headed the timesheets ahead of Raul Fernandez and Pedro Acosta after an action-packed practice session marked by multiple crashes and a late red flag.

The scorching conditions at the iconic “Cathedral of Speed” provided an unusual challenge for riders as the championship battle intensified ahead of Saturday’s qualifying.

Bezzecchi Leads Friday Running at Assen

Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi looked in complete control throughout Friday2026nning, taking over the top spot midway through the hour-long practice before remaining unbeaten despite several late improvements from his rivals.

Raul Fernandez delivered one of his strongest performances of the season to finish second for the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pedro Acosta produced a superb final flying lap to secure third place.

Japanese rookie Ai Ogura continued his impressive momentum from Brno by finishing fourth after leading the early stages of the session.

Crashes Disrupt High-Intensity Practice

Friday’s session featured several incidents that repeatedly interrupted the action.

Alex Marquez suffered two crashes during practice, including a dramatic highside at Turn 11 in the closing stages that triggered a red flag with just three minutes remaining. Despite the heavy fall, the Gresini Ducati rider walked away without any fractures and secured an automatic Q2 berth by finishing tenth.

Earlier, Fermin Aldeguer crashed at Turn 11 and was taken to the medical centre after tumbling through the gravel trap.

Returning world champion Jorge Martin also endured a difficult afternoon after crashing heavily at Turn 12. The Aprilia rider lost the front on corner entry but escaped injury and completed the session in ninth.

Bagnaia Rescues Direct Q2 Spot

Double MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia appeared destined for Qualifying 1 after languishing outside the top 15 for much of the session.

However, once the action resumed following the red flag, the Ducati Lenovo Team rider produced a crucial late lap to climb into fifth and secure direct progression to Q2.

Marc Marquez finished sixth, followed by Fabio Di Giannantonio in seventh and Enea Bastianini in eighth, completing a strong showing for Ducati and KTM.

Top 10 MotoGP Friday Practice Results – Assen

1. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing)
2. Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team)
3. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
4. Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team)
5. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
6. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team)
7. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
8. Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3)
9. Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing)
10. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP)

Big Names Face Qualifying 1 Battle

Several notable riders failed to earn automatic Q2 qualification.

Franco Morbidelli narrowly missed out by just 0.026 seconds and will headline the Q1 field alongside Honda’s Joan Mir, rookie Diogo Moreira, Fermin Aldeguer and Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo.

With overtaking traditionally difficult around Assen despite its flowing layout, Saturday’s qualifying sessions are expected to prove crucial in determining the outcome of both the Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Moto2: David Alonso Edges Manuel Gonzalez in Ultra-Close Friday Session

Moto2 championship contender David Alonso emerged fastest after an incredibly competitive Friday practice at Assen.

The CFMOTO Azul Marino Aspar Team rider posted a best lap of 1:36.154, beating championship leader Manuel Gonzalez by just 0.009 seconds, while Tony Arbolino completed the top three. Remarkably, only 0.256 seconds separated the top ten riders.

The session was interrupted by several crashes, with Ayumu Sasaki falling three times and Celestino Vietti suffering a heavy highside at Turn 5 that left him outside the top 14, forcing the Italian into Saturday’s Q1.

Senna Agius, Daniel Holgado, Alex Escrig, Taiyo Furusato, Ivan Ortola, Filip Salač, Collin Veijer and Izan Guevara all progressed directly into Q2 after finishing inside the crucial top 14 positions.

Moto3: Joel Kelso Leads Honda Clean Sweep

Australian rider Joel Kelso delivered a dominant performance in Moto3 by topping Friday practice with a lap of 1:40.918, becoming the only rider to break into the 1:40 bracket.

Kelso led an impressive Honda one-two-three ahead of Guido Pini and Eddie O’Shea, while Marco Morelli and Adrian Cruces rounded out the top five.

Championship leader Maximo Quiles comfortably secured a place in Q2 despite finishing 11th, but Valentin Perrone endured a disappointing session after ending the day down in 26th and facing the challenge of Qualifying 1.

MotoGP Dutch Grand Prix: Saturday Awaits

With Marco Bezzecchi carrying exceptional momentum, Pedro Acosta returning to the sharp end, Francesco Bagnaia recovering late and Marc Marquez quietly remaining in contention, Saturday’s qualifying and Sprint race promise another thrilling chapter in the 2026 MotoGP title fight at Assen.

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