Bezzecchi Smashes Lap Record as Aprilia Dominates Friday Practice at MotoGP Season Opener

Marco Bezzecchi fired a warning shot to the rest of the grid by setting a stunning new lap record during Friday Practice at the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season. The Aprilia Racing star clocked a blistering 1:28.526, comfortably eclipsing his own benchmark from testing and underlining Aprilia’s formidable early-season pace.

With dark clouds looming and light rain threatening in the closing stages, the opening Practice session delivered high drama as several big names fought to secure automatic Q2 places.

Bezzecchi Leads Aprilia Charge

Bezzecchi completed a Friday clean sweep after topping FP1 earlier in the day, before lowering the lap record again in the afternoon. His pace proved untouchable, finishing four tenths clear of six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez.

Aprilia’s strength was further reinforced by reigning world champion Jorge Martin, who secured fifth place despite suffering a minor crash in the morning session. Fully fit and back to full-time competition, Martin’s performance confirmed the Italian manufacturer’s impressive pre-season form.

Marquez Secures P2, Bagnaia Sent to Q1

It was a rollercoaster session for Marquez, who hovered outside the top ten for much of Practice before surging into contention in the final 20 minutes. A late flying lap vaulted him into second place, safely booking his Q2 spot.

However, there was disappointment for his Ducati Lenovo Team teammate Francesco Bagnaia. The former lap record holder showed flashes of pace with red sectors but failed to piece together a complete lap, ending the session down in 15th and condemned to Saturday’s Q1 shootout.

Di Giannantonio Impresses, KTM in the Mix

Fabio Di Giannantonio of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team translated his testing speed into competitive form, securing third place. Notably, his fastest lap came late in a race simulation run, highlighting strong long-run pace alongside outright speed.

Young sensation Pedro Acosta put Red Bull KTM Factory Racing into the top four with a late improvement, finishing 0.659s off Bezzecchi’s benchmark. Teammate Brad Binder secured eighth to ensure KTM representation in Q2.

Tight Midfield Battle and Late Drama

Alex Marquez placed sixth for BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, narrowly ahead of Joan Mir, who led the charge for Honda HRC Castrol in seventh.

Rookie Ai Ogura impressed with ninth for Trackhouse MotoGP Team before a late fall at Turn 7 ended his session prematurely. Fortunately, he escaped unharmed and still advances to Q2.

Completing the automatic Q2 qualifiers was Johann Zarco of CASTROL Honda LCR.

All Eyes on Saturday Qualifying

With Bagnaia headline-bound for Q1 and Aprilia setting the early benchmark, Saturday’s qualifying promises fireworks as the 2026 MotoGP season roars fully into life.

Bezzecchi’s record-breaking lap has laid down the gauntlet — but with rain clouds still circling, the fight for pole position is far from settled.