Misano, Italy, September 12, 2026: Marco Bezzecchi delivered a stunning performance on home soil to take pole position for the San Marino MotoGP Grand Prix, becoming the first rider to lap the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in under 1 minute 30 seconds.

The Aprilia Racing rider produced a sensational 1:29.982 in Q2 to set a new outright lap record and secure pole by 0.193 seconds from championship rival Marc Marquez of Ducati Lenovo Team.

Fermin Aldeguer produced an equally impressive performance to qualify third for BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, completing the front row after coming through Q1.

Championship leader Jorge Martin, also riding for Aprilia Racing, will start Sunday’s Grand Prix from fifth on the grid.

Bezzecchi breaks the 1:30 barrier

Bezzecchi saved his best for the middle stages of Q2, producing the first-ever sub-1:30 lap at Misano to establish a benchmark that nobody could match.

The Italian rider’s 1:29.982 was not only enough for pole but also delivered a new lap record at his home circuit.

Marc Marquez came closest to challenging Bezzecchi’s time. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider repeatedly found himself within striking distance of the Aprilia, but could not complete a lap fast enough to take pole.

Marquez’s first flying lap was compromised after he exceeded track limits, while a later attempt saw him abandon the lap at Turn 10. He had another opportunity to attack Bezzecchi’s record but again fell short in the final sector.

Bezzecchi therefore secured his first-place starting position in emphatic fashion.

Aldeguer storms through Q1 to front row

Fermin Aldeguer was one of the biggest stars of qualifying, completing his route to the front row after starting the session in Q1.

The BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP rider joined Raul Fernandez in progressing from Q1, with Aldeguer eventually qualifying third overall in Q2.

Fernandez had earlier topped Q1 after recovering from a spectacular save, while Fabio Quartararo initially occupied the second progression spot before Aldeguer displaced him in the closing stages.

The result gives Aldeguer a major opportunity to fight for a first-row finish in the Grand Prix.

Bagnaia struggles again

One of the biggest disappointments of qualifying was Francesco Bagnaia, who once again failed to escape Q1.

The Ducati Lenovo Team rider was among the high-profile names forced into the opening qualifying session after missing out on the automatic Q2 places on Friday. However, Bagnaia could not find enough pace to finish inside the top two in Q1.

He will therefore start the race from 14th position, leaving the Italian with plenty of work to do if he is to fight for the podium.

Martin starts fifth as Marini leads Honda charge

Championship leader Jorge Martin qualified fifth for Aprilia Racing and will start from the middle of the second row.

Martin will be looking to return to the podium after securing a strong qualifying position, but faces a tough challenge with Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez starting ahead of him.

Fabio Di Giannantonio will start fourth for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, while Luca Marini produced an impressive qualifying performance to take sixth and become the fastest Honda rider on his home circuit.

Marini heads the third row alongside Pedro Acosta and teammate Franco Morbidelli.

Alex Marquez will start ninth after crashing twice during Q2, while Raul Fernandez completes the top 10.

San Marino MotoGP qualifying results

1. Marco Bezzecchi – Aprilia Racing – 1:29.982
2. Marc Marquez – Ducati Lenovo Team
3. Fermin Aldeguer – BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP
4. Fabio Di Giannantonio – Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
5. Jorge Martin – Aprilia Racing
6. Luca Marini – Honda HRC Castrol
7. Pedro Acosta – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
8. Franco Morbidelli – Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
9. Alex Marquez – BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP
10. Raul Fernandez – SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team
11. Johann Zarco – Castrol Honda LCR
12. Pol Espargaro – Red Bull KTM Tech3
13. Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
14. Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team

With Bezzecchi starting from a record-breaking pole, Marc Marquez alongside him and Martin starting fifth, the San Marino Grand Prix is set for another major battle at Misano. The home crowd will be hoping Bezzecchi can convert his sensational qualifying performance into victory.