Image: from JPNN.com X @jpnncom
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Marco Bezzecchi delivered a sensational performance at Mugello to secure pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, setting a new all-time lap record and leading an extraordinary Aprilia sweep of the entire front row.
In front of a passionate home crowd, Bezzecchi produced a stunning lap of 1m43.921s during the final stages of MotoGP qualifying, becoming the fastest rider ever around the iconic Tuscan circuit and giving Aprilia one of its most impressive qualifying results in recent years.
The Italian rider finished more than two tenths of a second clear of fellow Aprilia rider Raul Fernandez, while reigning world champion Jorge Martin completed an all-Aprilia top three.
CAN IT GET BETTER THAN THIS? 🤩
A record-breaking pole on home turf for Bez, with the fastest-ever lap around Mugello 🔥🇮🇹#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/eyAMuuuFUE
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 30, 2026
Bezzecchi Delivers Historic Pole
Qualifying began with intense competition among the championship’s leading contenders.
Double world champion Francesco Bagnaia was among the first riders to set a benchmark lap, but the Ducati factory rider quickly found himself surpassed by much of the field as track conditions continued to improve.
Marc Marquez also briefly occupied the top positions before Jorge Martin appeared to take control of the session during the opening runs. Martin’s pace looked sufficient for provisional pole position, particularly after he had earlier set a remarkable top speed record of 368.6 km/h during practice.
However, the session belonged to Aprilia.
As riders returned to the circuit for their final attempts, Bezzecchi produced a flawless lap that shattered the previous Mugello record and secured a memorable home pole position.
Aprilia Locks Out Front Row
The result marked a major achievement for the Italian manufacturer, which placed three motorcycles on the front row for Sunday’s race.
Raul Fernandez continued his strong weekend by securing second place on the grid, while Martin ensured a complete Aprilia lockout of the front row with third.
The performance highlighted the competitiveness of the RS-GP package at one of the most demanding circuits on the MotoGP calendar.
Mugello’s combination of high-speed straights, sweeping corners, and significant elevation changes has traditionally rewarded balanced machinery, and Aprilia appeared to have found the perfect setup for the Italian circuit.
Marquez Leads Non-Aprilia Challenge
Marc Marquez emerged as the leading challenger to Aprilia’s dominance.
The six-time MotoGP world champion produced a strong final lap to climb into fourth position, becoming the highest-placed rider from another manufacturer.
Gresini Racing’s Fermin Aldeguer narrowly missed out on fourth place and will start alongside Marquez, while Francesco Bagnaia secured sixth place to complete the second row.
For Bagnaia, who has enjoyed considerable success at Mugello in recent seasons, the result leaves work to do if he hopes to challenge for victory in front of his home supporters.
Tight Battle Through the Field
The third row will feature Fabio Di Giannantonio in seventh position, rookie sensation Diogo Moreira in eighth, and Franco Morbidelli in ninth.
Pedro Acosta, who impressed during the early stages of qualifying, will start from tenth after failing to improve sufficiently during the final runs.
The young KTM rider is joined on the fourth row by Enea Bastianini and Alex Rins.
Fernandez Impresses in Q1
Before advancing into the final qualifying session, Raul Fernandez had already demonstrated his speed during Q1.
The Spanish rider immediately moved to the top of the timesheets with one of the fastest laps of the weekend at that point. His benchmark was later surpassed by KTM factory rider Pedro Acosta, who posted a lap of 1m44.765s.
Acosta led the early stages of Q1 ahead of Fernandez and Ai Ogura, but Fernandez responded strongly during the closing minutes to reclaim first place and secure his progression into Q2.
Ogura looked capable of joining them but lost time in the final sector of a promising lap, allowing Fernandez and Acosta to advance.
Momentum Building for Aprilia
Aprilia’s dominance in qualifying comes at a crucial stage of the season and provides a significant confidence boost for the Italian manufacturer.
With Bezzecchi, Fernandez, and Martin occupying the front row, the brand enters Sunday’s race as the clear favorite to challenge for victory.
The result also raises expectations for a potentially historic home triumph at Mugello, one of the most prestigious venues in motorcycle racing.
For Bezzecchi, the opportunity to convert a record-breaking pole position into a victory in front of Italian fans now represents one of the biggest moments of his MotoGP career.