Spanish GP – EL1: Fabio Di Giannantonio takes a VR46 double

The hostilities of the Spanish GP MotoGP The sessions began this Friday morning under still overcast skies, and the weather was far from ideal for getting a feel for the car. During this first European session of the year, Fabio Di Giannantonio confirmed his strong form in fast laps since the start of the season, setting the fastest time in Free Practice 1. 

His teammate in the VR46 team, who does not have the GP26 but the 2025 version of the Ducati Desmosedici GP, set an excellent second fastest time, securing a one-two finish for the team. Valentino Rossi.

After holding the top spot for much of the session, the Márquez brothers finished 3rd and 5th, with Álex ahead of Marc. Five-time consecutive winner Marco Bezzecchi made a solid start with the 4th fastest time. The weekend began more challenging for Pecco Bagnaia, who finished 11th after a harmless run through the gravel.

After spending a long time in the top 5, a few tenths of the best, Johann Zarco could not keep up with the pace of Aprilia and Ducati during the second time attack, and finished the session in 9th place, 6 tenths of a second off the benchmark.

The other Frenchman on the grid, fabio quartararo, finished 20th in FP1 at Jerez, still struggling with the Yamaha M1. Another Yamaha rider, Jack Miller, recorded an encouraging 7th place, raising hopes that all is not lost for Iwata in Spain, on a circuit that historically suits the machine's characteristics.

The MotoGP riders will return to the track at 3pm in Jerez, to compete in the Spanish GP tests.

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MotoGP 2026 – Spanish Grand Prix

The EL1 ranking: