Image: from RaceGear NG X @RaceGearNG
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Marc Márquez secured pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix after edging Pedro Acosta in a closely contested MotoGP qualifying session at Balaton Park on Saturday morning.
The Ducati rider overcame an early crash to produce a stunning lap of 1:36.785 during the decisive moments of Q2, earning his latest pole position of the season and reinforcing his status as one of the favorites for victory in Sunday’s race.
Márquez’s best effort was just 0.053 seconds quicker than Acosta’s fastest lap, highlighting the narrow margins that separated the leading contenders throughout the session.
On Thursday he said he wouldn't be fighting for a podium… and here he is on the top step 🥇
Can he back it up again on Sunday?
📺 Watch the #HungarianGP on ch. 507 or on @kayosports https://t.co/rXET2U5XYU#MotoGP #TissotSprint pic.twitter.com/Th5AcGcyuO
— Fox Motorsport (@Fox_Motorsport) June 6, 2026
Dramatic Recovery for Márquez
Qualifying did not begin smoothly for the six-time MotoGP world champion. Márquez suffered a fall early in the final qualifying session, creating uncertainty over his chances of fighting for pole.
However, the Spaniard quickly recovered and returned to the track, delivering a series of competitive laps before producing the session’s fastest time when it mattered most.
The performance underlined both Márquez’s speed and resilience as he seeks another victory in the 2026 championship campaign.
Acosta Continues KTM’s Strong Form
Pedro Acosta once again demonstrated impressive pace aboard the KTM machine.
After leading Friday’s final practice session, the young Spaniard remained among the fastest riders throughout qualifying and secured second place on the grid, missing pole by only a fraction of a second.
Acosta’s front-row start places him in an excellent position to challenge Márquez when the lights go out on Sunday.
Joining them on the front row will be Fermín Aldeguer, who continued his strong weekend by qualifying third on the Gresini Ducati.
Ducati Dominates the Front Rows
Ducati’s strength was evident throughout qualifying, with several of its riders occupying the top positions.
Fabio Di Giannantonio secured fourth place for the VR46 Racing Team, while factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia recovered from a difficult Friday to qualify fifth after advancing through Q1 as the fastest rider in the opening qualifying session.
Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi completed a competitive showing for Aprilia by securing a place near the front of the grid, ensuring he remains well positioned to defend his championship advantage.
Moreira Secures Solid Starting Position
Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira continued his encouraging weekend at Balaton Park by qualifying eleventh aboard his LCR Honda.
The result places the Brazilian just outside the top ten but within striking distance of valuable points in both the Sprint race and Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Luca Marini qualified ninth for Honda, while Ai Ogura and Jack Miller completed the final positions inside the top twelve.
Sprint and Grand Prix Ahead
With Márquez on pole and Acosta alongside him on the front row, the stage is set for an intriguing battle at Balaton Park.
The Sprint race later on Saturday will offer an early indication of race pace, while Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix promises another important chapter in the 2026 MotoGP championship fight.
Starting Grid, Hungarian Grand Prix
- Marc Márquez (Ducati) – 1:36.785
- Pedro Acosta (KTM) – +0.053
- Fermín Aldeguer (Gresini Ducati)
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Ducati)
- Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
- Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia)
- Raúl Fernández (Trackhouse Aprilia)
- Jorge Martín (Aprilia)
- Luca Marini (Honda)
- Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Aprilia)
- Diogo Moreira (LCR Honda)
- Jack Miller (Pramac Yamaha)