MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Fabio Di Giannantonio of the VR46 Racing Team secured pole position for the 2026 United States MotoGP at COTA with a new lap record, extending his strong form following the previous round in Brazil.
The Ducati rider surpassed the previous benchmark set by Maverick Vinales in 2024 by more than seven tenths of a second. The decisive lap came on his penultimate run during the 15-minute qualifying session, underlining a significant step in one-lap performance.
This result also made Di Giannantonio the only Ducati rider on the front row, finishing 0.193s ahead of championship leader Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing. While Ducati maintained overall competitiveness, performance distribution among its riders proved decisive in qualifying.
“The team did an incredible job yesterday because we made a big change for this morning and they understood exactly what I needed to be faster. I’m very grateful to them.”
“This was the most dynamic lap of my life. It was a full-heart lap. I have to be very happy, but we also need to stay focused.”
Bezzecchi, targeting a fifth consecutive grand prix victory, viewed his front row result as strategically valuable despite missing pole. He highlighted flexibility in rear tyre selection for the Sprint, given COTA’s evolving track characteristics.
“I’m happy with the hot lap. It wasn’t enough for pole, but being on the front row is very important.”
“We will see for the Sprint because both rear tyre options are possible, for both the longer race and the Sprint.”
However, Bezzecchi’s grid position remains under scrutiny. He, along with Marc Marquez and Ai Ogura, is under investigation by FIM Stewards for alleged slow riding on the racing line.
The situation stemmed from an on-track moment where Marquez appeared impeded by Bezzecchi during an early run, visibly gesturing in frustration. Bezzecchi, however, stated he was unaware of Marquez’s presence behind him.
“Honestly, I have no idea about Marc. I didn’t see him.”
Marquez ultimately qualified sixth and is also under separate investigation for allegedly impeding Enea Bastianini. Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia showed visible frustration behind Ogura during the session.
In third place, Pedro Acosta of KTM delivered a clean and consistent performance to secure a front row start, maintaining strong prospects for the Sprint.
“First target achieved, a good qualifying. Now it’s time to review everything with the team and see where we can be competitive and build the best strategy.”
With Ducati and Aprilia demonstrating strong pace and KTM remaining competitive, the 10-lap Sprint at COTA is set to be highly contested. Qualifying outcomes provide a crucial strategic foundation as teams prepare for both the Sprint and the grand prix, shaping the trajectory of the championship heading into the next round.
Baca Juga
Francesco Bagnaia hampir gagal lolos Q2 MotoGP COTA 2026 akibat masalah teknis, namun tetap optimistis menghadapi akhir pekan.
Starting grid Sprint MotoGP Amerika 2026 di COTA dipimpin Fabio Di Giannantonio, dengan Bezzecchi dan Acosta di baris depan.
Jadwal lengkap MotoGP Amerika 2026 di COTA dalam WIB serta cara menonton resmi, termasuk Sprint dan Grand Prix.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!