Pedro Acosta wasted no time in the first free practice session of the 2026 Austrian MotoGP. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider set the fastest time of 1:29.851 at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg on Friday (18/9).
Acosta was 0.233 seconds ahead of his compatriot, Pol Espargaro, who surprisingly took second place. Pol, riding for Red Bull KTM Tech3, proved that the KTM machine suits the Austrian circuit's demanding braking and corner-exit acceleration.
Third place went to Jorge Martin of Aprilia Racing. The 2024 world champion was 0.308 seconds adrift of Acosta, but only 0.075 seconds behind Pol Espargaro. Martin, known for his qualifying prowess, seems to be saving his speed for the next sessions.
Meanwhile, Marc Marquez had to settle for fourth. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider clocked 1:30.186, 0.335 seconds off the pace. Though not at the top, Marquez showed consistency and is ready to fight in qualifying.
Another surprise came from Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) who broke into the top five. Zarco proved that Honda is starting to find performance in the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia, the 2022 and 2023 world champion, was only 18th, 1.122 seconds behind. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider is still searching for the best setup for his Desmosedici GP26.
Rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu of Prima Pramac Yamaha had to settle for 22nd, 2.512 seconds adrift. The 2024 WorldSBK champion is still adapting to the MotoGP machine, but his speed in the first free practice session is a positive sign for the future.
With dry track conditions and an air temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, the riders still have time to improve their lap times in FP2 later today. The competition in the 2026 Austrian MotoGP is expected to intensify, given the narrow gaps separating the top ten riders.
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Pedro Acosta leads Austria MotoGP FP1 at Red Bull Ring, followed by Pol Espargaro and Jorge Martin. Check out the full results and analysis here.
Pedro Acosta dominates FP1 at MotoGP Austria 2026 at Red Bull Ring, while Marc Marquez finishes fourth. Full results and analysis.
Pedro Acosta leads FP1 MotoGP Austria 2026 at Red Bull Ring, followed by Pol Espargaro. Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez close behind. Full results here.
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