Image: from NEWSMoto EC X @NEWSMotoEC
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Raul Fernandez delivered a commanding performance at Mugello on Saturday to secure his first MotoGP Sprint race victory, leading an impressive Aprilia one-two at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.
The Trackhouse Racing rider seized control of the race in the opening corners and never looked back, crossing the finish line ahead of fellow Aprilia rider Jorge Martin after 11 intense laps around the iconic Italian circuit.
The result marks Fernandez’s first Sprint victory in MotoGP and further strengthens Aprilia’s growing presence at the front of the championship battle.
Perfect Start Sets Up Victory
Starting from the front row, Fernandez wasted no time asserting himself.
Although Marc Marquez initially grabbed the holeshot from the second row, Fernandez quickly fought his way to the front, overtaking the reigning champion within the opening stages. Jorge Martin followed him through, allowing the two Aprilia riders to establish an early advantage over the chasing pack.
The victory was particularly significant given the recent on-track tensions between Fernandez and Martin following their clash during the Catalunya round. At Mugello, however, both riders maintained a clean and controlled race while demonstrating the competitiveness of the Aprilia package.
Fernandez steadily extended his advantage throughout the Sprint and ultimately crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of Martin.
Strategic Tire Choice Pays Off
A key factor in Aprilia’s success was tire strategy.
While the majority of the field opted for a medium front tire paired with a soft rear, Fernandez chose a medium rear tire. Martin later switched to the same configuration, making them the only two riders among the leading contenders to adopt the alternative strategy.
The decision appeared to provide superior consistency over the race distance, allowing both riders to maintain strong pace as others struggled with rear tire degradation.
Their performance highlighted Aprilia’s growing ability to combine speed with strategic execution.
Di Giannantonio Completes the Podium
VR46 Ducati rider Fabio Di Giannantonio secured third place after another strong performance.
The Italian, who had topped practice earlier in the weekend, moved past impressive Honda rookie Diogo Moreira on lap three and held the final podium position to the checkered flag.
Despite his strong pace, Di Giannantonio was unable to close the gap to the leading Aprilias, who controlled the race from the front.
Nevertheless, the podium result provided a welcome boost for the VR46 team in front of its home supporters.
Bezzecchi Recovers After Difficult Start
Championship leader and pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi endured a frustrating opening lap.
After qualifying with a record-breaking lap earlier in the day, Bezzecchi was overwhelmed in the first corner sequence and dropped to sixth place.
The Aprilia rider responded with an aggressive recovery drive, overtaking both Marc Marquez and Diogo Moreira to climb into fourth position by the midpoint of the race.
Although he was unable to challenge the podium positions, his recovery limited the damage in the championship standings.
However, the result slightly reduced his lead in the title race as rivals continued to gain ground.
Marquez and Moreira Battle in Top Five
Marc Marquez’s race followed a contrasting trajectory.
After initially leading, the reigning world champion gradually lost positions to the faster Aprilias and later to Di Giannantonio.
Marquez eventually reclaimed fifth place by overtaking rookie sensation Diogo Moreira in the closing stages.
Moreira once again impressed with his pace and maturity, spending much of the race battling among far more experienced riders before finishing just outside the top five.
Return for Crutchlow
Further down the order, Cal Crutchlow completed his first Sprint race finish since returning to MotoGP competition as an LCR Honda substitute rider.
The British veteran crossed the line in 19th position, just behind fellow stand-in rider Michele Pirro, who was competing for Gresini Racing.
While neither rider challenged for points, both completed the race distance at one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.
Aprilia Momentum Continues
The Mugello Sprint confirmed Aprilia’s exceptional form during the 2026 season.
With Fernandez taking victory, Martin finishing second, and Bezzecchi recovering to fourth, the Italian manufacturer demonstrated impressive depth across its rider lineup.
As attention now turns to Sunday’s Grand Prix, Aprilia appears to be the team to beat on home soil.
For Raul Fernandez, meanwhile, the victory represents a major milestone in his MotoGP career and further establishes him as a genuine contender at the highest level of motorcycle racing.
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