Image: from M Sports X @MSports_all
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Pedro Acosta ended Friday as the fastest rider at the Hungarian Grand Prix, setting the pace in the final MotoGP practice session at Balaton Park and securing direct passage to Q2 qualifying.
The KTM rider delivered a standout lap of 1:36.827 during the afternoon session, comfortably topping the timesheets and establishing himself as one of the leading contenders for pole position ahead of Saturday’s qualifying.
Acosta’s performance marked a strong response after Marc Márquez had led the opening practice session earlier in the day, highlighting the increasingly competitive nature of the 2026 MotoGP season.
Strong Showing From KTM and Ducati Rivals
Fabio Di Giannantonio secured second place for the VR46 Ducati team, finishing 0.413 seconds behind Acosta’s benchmark lap.
Raúl Fernández continued his impressive form aboard the Trackhouse Aprilia, ending the session third fastest. Fermín Aldeguer followed closely in fourth for Gresini Ducati, while Ai Ogura completed the top five, giving Trackhouse two riders inside the leading group.
Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi finished sixth with Aprilia, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the day. Earlier session leader Marc Márquez ended the afternoon in seventh position on his factory Ducati machine.
Moreira Impresses for Honda
Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira produced one of his strongest MotoGP performances of the season, finishing eighth aboard the LCR Honda.
The result placed the Brazilian directly among the leading contenders and ensured his place among the riders advancing automatically to the second phase of qualifying.
Jorge Martín finished ninth, while Jack Miller rounded out the top ten on the Pramac Yamaha.
Bagnaia Faces Difficult Qualifying Route
One of the biggest surprises of the session was the performance of Francesco Bagnaia.
The Ducati factory rider could only manage 14th place and failed to secure a direct spot in Q2. As a result, Bagnaia will be forced to compete in Q1 on Saturday morning and fight for one of the available transfer positions into the final qualifying session.
The setback leaves the former world champion facing a more complicated route toward securing a strong starting position for Sunday’s race.
Substitute Riders Continue Weekend Duties
Among the substitute riders competing this weekend, Iker Lecuona finished 17th aboard the Gresini Ducati, while Cal Crutchlow placed 22nd for LCR Honda.
The pair is standing in for Álex Márquez and Johann Zarco, respectively, during the Hungarian round.
Qualifying and Sprint Ahead
The MotoGP paddock returns to action on Saturday with a final practice session before qualifying begins.
Attention will then shift to the Sprint race, where riders will have their first opportunity to score points at Balaton Park. Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix will conclude the weekend as the championship battle continues to intensify.
Top 10, Friday Practice, Hungarian Grand Prix
- Pedro Acosta (KTM) – 1:36.827
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Ducati) – +0.413
- Raúl Fernández (Trackhouse Aprilia)
- Fermín Aldeguer (Gresini Ducati)
- Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Aprilia)
- Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia)
- Marc Márquez (Ducati)
- Diogo Moreira (LCR Honda)
- Jorge Martín (Aprilia)
- Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha)