Jorge Martin will start the 2026 MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix from pole position at the Red Bull Ring on Sunday (14/6/2026). The Aprilia rider is aiming for a double victory after winning the Sprint race the day before. However, all eyes are on Pedro Acosta, who is determined to bounce back from his Sprint crash.
Martin won the Sprint with a bit of luck after Acosta crashed, but also thanks to his clinical ride through the field after losing ground on the first lap due to an incident with Marc Marquez at Turn 2. Martin admitted he almost crashed in that incident. Now, he is ready to repeat his success from pole.
Acosta, who had led by 2.5 seconds before crashing, explained that the accident happened when he checked his dashboard to ensure he had enough fuel to finish the 14-lap Sprint. As a result, he missed his braking marker and fell. Nevertheless, the KTM rider remains the benchmark rider of the weekend and will start from third. His first premier class win is the target.
Marc Marquez will line up second, between Martin and Acosta. After the Sprint, Marquez admitted he didn't have the pace of Acosta and Martin. He said it would not have been smart to defend when Acosta passed him. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi moved up to third in the standings after Acosta's crash, though his title hopes remain slim, 38 points behind Martin.
The main issue for the Ducati riders other than Marquez is the lack of rear grip with the harder-construction tyre Michelin brings to the Red Bull Ring. Alex Marquez said he had zero fun, while Fabio Di Giannantonio was perplexed as the same tyre was used at Goiania where he finished on the podium. Francesco Bagnaia, usually strong in Austria, also struggled on Friday but improved on Saturday after getting advice from Dani Pedrosa.
The race will start at 14:00 local time. Martin from pole, Marquez in the middle, Acosta in third. The tension is palpable as the lights prepare to go out. Will Acosta bounce back and take his first win? Or will Martin triumph again in Austria? Watch the action unfold.
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