Raul Fernandez Claims Mugello MotoGP Sprint Victory as Aprilia Celebrates Historic 1-2 Finish

Mugello, Italy, May 30, 2026: Raul Fernandez delivered a flawless performance to win the MotoGP Sprint race at Mugello on Saturday, leading home fellow Aprilia rider Jorge Martin in a dominant 1-2 finish for the Italian manufacturer.

The Trackhouse MotoGP Team rider controlled the race from the early stages and crossed the line 1.2 seconds ahead of Martin, giving Aprilia a dream result at its home circuit. Local favourite Fabio Di Giannantonio completed the podium for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team after an impressive charge from seventh on the grid.

Fernandez Takes Control After Fast Start

The Sprint race got off to a dramatic start as returning world champion Marc Marquez launched from the second row and grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1 aboard his Ducati Lenovo Team machine.

However, Marquez’s lead was short-lived. Fernandez quickly moved to the front, with Martin and rookie sensation Diogo Moreira also finding a way past the Spaniard. Di Giannantonio soon joined the charge, overtaking Marquez at Turn 12 to drop the Ducati rider to fifth place.

Pole-sitter and championship leader Marco Bezzecchi endured a difficult launch and slipped down the order before recovering to sixth by the second lap.

By Lap 3, Fernandez had established a half-second advantage over Martin, while Di Giannantonio moved into third after a brilliant pass on Moreira through Arrabbiata 1. Bezzecchi subsequently overtook the Brazilian rookie to move into fourth, but the Aprilia factory rider was already more than three seconds adrift of the race leader.

Martin Applies Pressure But Fernandez Holds Firm

As the race entered its closing stages, Martin gradually reduced the gap to Fernandez and looked poised to challenge for victory.

With three laps remaining, the reigning world champion had cut the deficit to less than half a second, raising hopes of a late battle for Sprint gold. However, Fernandez responded superbly under pressure, immediately increasing his advantage and maintaining a comfortable margin over the final laps.

The Spaniard produced a composed and error-free ride to secure maximum Sprint points and his biggest result of the season. Martin settled for second place, while Di Giannantonio delivered an outstanding home performance to secure the final podium position, finishing 1.1 seconds ahead of Bezzecchi.

Bezzecchi Misses Podium, Marquez Scores on Return

Despite starting from pole position after setting a Mugello lap record in qualifying, Bezzecchi was unable to recover from his poor start and finished fourth.

Marquez completed an encouraging return from injury by claiming fifth place and valuable Sprint points. The six-time MotoGP champion showed strong pace early in the race but was unable to match the speed of the Aprilia riders.

Fermin Aldeguer secured sixth place for BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, while Francesco Bagnaia recovered from a disappointing start to finish seventh in front of his home crowd.

Trackhouse MotoGP rookie Ai Ogura claimed eighth position, with Pedro Acosta taking the final Sprint point in ninth.

The race also saw retirements for Enea Bastianini and Franco Morbidelli, both crashing at Turn 10 during separate incidents.

Mugello MotoGP Sprint Race Results

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