Spanish GP – Testing: Álex Márquez raises his game

The lap record at the Jerez circuit, set by fabio quartararo The 2025 lap time of 1:35.610 could well fall this weekend. This Friday, Álex Márquez set the fastest time in practice, less than two tenths of a second off the Frenchman's benchmark, and more than three tenths ahead of the rest of the field on the circuit where he secured his first victory in 2025. MotoGP last year.

Fabio Di Giannantonio, fastest in the morning, finished behind him, while Marco Bezzecchi completed the top three on an Aprilia that struggled to make its mark in Spain. Having struggled since the start of the day and still hampered by injury, Marc Márquez salvaged a fourth-place finish, albeit five-tenths of a second slower than his brother. He nevertheless secured his place in Q2.

Pecco Bagnaia's day didn't improve. After going off the track during FP1, the Italian suffered a nasty crash during practice. While the rider escaped uninjured, his bike was badly damaged. He finished the afternoon in 6th place. 

The 2024 world champion, Jorge Martín, is not in top form at his home race. He too suffered a heavy crash at Turn 13 midway through the session. This was his second crash of the day, following a strange incident earlier in the morning. With FP1 already over, the number 89 rider went off the track, crashing into the gravel. He nevertheless qualified for Q2 with the 9th fastest time of the session. 

Both French riders will have to go through Q1 at Jerez. Johann Zarco finished his Friday with the 12th fastest time, while Fabio Quartararo completed the practice session in 17th position, and as the best Yamaha.

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MotoGP 2026 – Spanish Grand Prix

The Trials ranking: