Bagnaia, the double Moto GP World Champion, began his campaign in Q1, where he faced serious competition from Fabio Di Giannantonio and Pol Espargaro. After a shaky start that saw him outside the Q2 transfer positions, Bagnaia regrouped and delivered a blistering lap of 1:52.715, securing his passage into Q2 alongside Raul Fernandez. For both riders, this was an achievement - Bagnaia\u2019s first pole of the season and Fernandez\u2019s best Saturday result of the year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Once into Q2, Bagnaia maintained momentum. With five minutes remaining and yet to set a representative lap, the Italian charged to the front, eclipsing Marquez's initial benchmark by 0.219 seconds. This set the stage for a tense showdown, with the factory Ducati teammates both in the hunt for pole.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Marquez, the current championship leader, had looked set to respond to Bagnaia\u2019s challenge. Leading the final attack, Marquez lit up the timing screens and appeared to be on course to reclaim pole - until disaster struck. At Turn 13, the same spot where Johann Zarco had crashed moments earlier, Marquez lost control, ending his session in the gravel and handing Bagnaia an unexpected gift.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This twist means Marquez will start from P2 - a strong position, but not the front - while Fabio Quartararo, showing renewed Yamaha pace, completes the front row in third.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Behind them, Marco Bezzecchi managed to hold onto P4 despite his own crash at Turn 1 while Joan Mir impressed with a season-best P5. Fernandez\u2019s P6 was also his strongest Saturday showing of the year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This twist means Marquez will start from P2 - a strong position, but not the front - while Fabio Quartararo, showing renewed Yamaha pace, completes the front row in third.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Bagnaia back in top form and Marquez showing relentless pace, Sunday\u2019s race promises a fierce duel between the factory Ducati teammates at the front of the pack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n