Marco Bezzecchi topped the timesheets in Friday's MotoGP practice session at Misano for the San Marino Grand Prix, edging out his rivals and coming close to Pecco Bagnaia's lap record. The Aprilia rider was in imperious form, setting the benchmark early and never looking back.
As soon as pit lane opened, riders flooded the track to maximize the one-hour session. Most opted for the soft rear tyre to evaluate the compound for the Sprint race. Pedro Acosta and Enea Bastianini ran together in the early stages, while Marc Marquez chose to wait before heading out. The warmer afternoon conditions gave riders more confidence to push from the start.
Bezzecchi immediately set the pace with a 1:32.013, followed by Jorge Martin and Luca Marini. However, Alex Marquez responded with a 1:31.016 to go fastest. Bezzecchi then posted a 1:30.792, but the lap was cancelled for exceeding track limits, handing the top spot back to Alex Marquez with a 1:30.979. That time was the first to dip below 1:31 and came close to Bagnaia's record of 1:30.031.
Bagnaia himself is still struggling with the after-effects of compartment syndrome surgery and has yet to fully adapt to the GP26. The presence of Valentino Rossi at the circuit provided a boost for the Italian riders, especially his VR46 proteges.
Marc Marquez, who was late to appear, gradually moved up to fourth, just a tenth behind his brother Alex. Franco Morbidelli impressed with second place, marking his final Grand Prix with VR46 and in MotoGP. Meanwhile, Luca Marini, also in his last race with Honda at Misano, was fourth with a 1:31.023.
The Aprilia vs Ducati battle intensified. Bezzecchi remained ahead, with Morbidelli and Alex Marquez in pursuit. Johann Zarco had a scare when his bike wobbled violently, forcing him to abort a lap. In the closing stages, riders focused on race simulations with used tyres, offering a glimpse of their pace for the Sprint and main race.
With this result, Bezzecchi sends a strong signal that Aprilia is ready to fight at home. But the gap to Ducati is minimal, and qualifying promises to be fierce. Marc Marquez still has potential, while Bagnaia battles his physical condition. Saturday's Sprint will be the true test.
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Marc Marquez leads FP1 at San Marino MotoGP 2026 with a 1:31.468, ahead of Bezzecchi and Fernandez. Bagnaia struggles in P18.
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