Record-Breaking Q2 Battle
Marco Bezzecchi delivered a stunning performance in qualifying for the Michelin Grand Prix of Aragon, setting a new all-time lap record of 1:44.962 to secure pole position. The Aprilia Racing rider beat reigning World Champion Marc Marquez by 0.089 seconds, with Alex Marquez completing the front row for Gresini. The session featured two sub-1:45 laps, a first at MotorLand.[S1]
Marc Marquez had initially set a new record with a 1:45.136, but Bezzecchi responded with a 1:44.984. In the final run, Marquez was close to stealing pole but a front-end moment at Turn 14 cost him the chance. Bezzecchi's second flying lap added another 0.022s to his advantage, sealing the top spot.[S1]
Q1 Drama and Grid Positions
In Q1, Francesco Bagnaia progressed to Q2 after topping the session, while rookie Diogo Moreira also advanced despite a late crash at Turn 2. Joan Mir failed to displace Moreira, missing out on Q2. The grid sees Raul Fernandez starting fourth, ahead of Jorge Martin, with Pedro Acosta sixth despite a crash.[S1]
Fabio Di Giannantonio starts seventh, with Bagnaia eighth and Johann Zarco ninth on his return from injury. Moreira rounds out the top ten. Fermin Aldeguer and Franco Morbidelli share the fourth row. The Tissot Sprint is scheduled for 15:00 local time.[S1]
Friday Practice Form
Earlier on Friday, Bezzecchi had already topped practice with a 1:45.455, edging Alex Marquez by 0.010s and Marc Marquez by 0.038s. That margin was the closest top-three finish in Friday practice in MotoGP history. Marc Marquez had broken his own lap record earlier in the session.[S2][S3]
Bagnaia had a tough session, ending 13th after a mistake on his last lap, which means he'll have to go through Q1. Jack Miller crashed at Turn 2 and finished 19th. Zarco made a notable return, grabbing the last direct Q2 spot, edging out Moreira by just 0.010 seconds.[S2][S3]
