MotoGP Mugello 2026: Bezzecchi breaks the record, Aprilia seals a historic qualifying one-two-three

The GP d’Italia turns Aprilia: pole position for Marco Bezzecchi ahead of Fernández and Martín

Mugello witnessed one of the most surprising qualifying sessions of recent years. At the circuit that symbolises Italian motorcycling, Marco Bezzecchi took a pole position destined to go down in history, stopping the clock at an incredible 1’43″921 and becoming the first MotoGP rider capable of breaking the 1’44” barrier on the Tuscan track.

A result that takes on even greater value because it was achieved in front of the Italian fans and because it allows Aprilia to monopolise the entire front row of the grid. Behind the championship leader, Raúl Fernández and Jorge Martín will line up, completing a perfect day for the Noale manufacturer.

While the crowd celebrated Bezzecchi’s feat, in the paddock the awareness grew that MotoGP 2026 may have found a new dominant force.

Bezzecchi drags Aprilia along: Mugello crowns the championship leader

From Friday practice onwards, Marco Bezzecchi had shown impressive pace. Qualifying did nothing but confirm the impressions gathered throughout the whole weekend.

The Aprilia RS-GP proved impeccable in fast direction changes, stable in the most demanding corners and particularly effective in the final sector, the one that often decides the fate of a lap at Mugello. Bezzecchi used every centimetre of the Tuscan asphalt, building a virtually perfect lap that left his rivals with no chance of a reply.

Pole position represents much more than a simple statistic. It is the concrete proof of the step forward made by the Aprilia project and of the maturity achieved by the rider from Romagna, increasingly a protagonist in the title fight.

A front row all Aprilia that changes the balance of MotoGP

The real news from qualifying is not just Bezzecchi’s pole. What stands out above all is the overall superiority shown by the Noale bikes.

Raúl Fernández confirmed the progress shown in recent races by taking a prestigious second place, while Jorge Martín completed the masterpiece with the third-fastest time overall. The Spaniard, back on track after a long injury lay-off, immediately showed impressive competitiveness, proving he had rediscovered confidence and speed.

For Aprilia, it is a historic day. Never before had the Italian manufacturer managed to fill the entire front row at Mugello in the MotoGP era.

Marc Márquez surprises everyone: his comeback is already to the fore

Among the protagonists of the Tuscan Saturday there is no doubt Marc Márquez. The Ducati rider came to Mugello with the declared aim of finding his rhythm again after his recent injury, but the track told a different story.

The Spaniard came close to the front row, finishing fourth and emerging as the best of the Ducati riders. A performance that once again confirms the Iberian champion’s extraordinary ability to adapt quickly even in the most difficult conditions.

Márquez focused mainly on physical management and feeling with the bike, but the result obtained in qualifying shows that he could be a serious threat both in the Sprint Race and in Sunday's race.

Bagnaia chasing: a reaction is needed in the Sprint Race

A different story for Francesco Bagnaia. The Piedmont-born rider was considered one of the big favourites before the weekend, helped by a particularly positive record at the Mugello circuit.

At the decisive moment of Q2, however, the Ducati world champion was unable to find the perfect lap, finishing only in sixth position. A placing that does not compromise the weekend but that will force Bagnaia into a comeback race.

The positive aspect for number 63 is the pace shown during the previous sessions. On race pace, Ducati remains one of the most competitive bikes in the field and the Sprint Race could already provide important indications about the real pecking order on track.

Ducati point to the depth of their team

Fermín Aldeguer and Fabio Di Giannantonio also kept the Ducati flag flying. The Gresini team rider will start from fifth position after a very solid qualifying session, while the rider from Rome with VR46 confirmed his good form by taking seventh place.

The Borgo Panigale manufacturer continues to field the largest and most competitive group on the grid, but for the first time in several seasons it finds itself forced to chase rivals who seem to have closed much of the technical gap.

Sprint Race and MotoGP Mugello race: Aprilia favoured, but the battle is open

Qualifying has provided a clear picture: Aprilia is the bike to beat at Mugello. However, the GP d’Italia is still all to play for.

The Sprint Race on Saturday and above all Sunday’s long race represent a completely different challenge from the single lap. Tyre management, fuel consumption and strategy will have a decisive impact on such a demanding circuit as the Tuscan one.

Bezzecchi will start with the advantage of pole and the confidence derived from a perfect weekend so far. Behind him, however, Ducati fields riders of the calibre of Márquez and Bagnaia, ready to seize any opportunity to bring the Borgo Panigale manufacturer back in front of their fans.

Saturday at Mugello has already delivered one certainty: MotoGP 2026 has found a new protagonist. Now the question is whether Aprilia will manage to turn a historic qualifying one-two-three into a success that will also leave its mark in the race.