The reigning Champion tops both sessions, narrowly beating Viñales by 0.065 seconds, with Alex Marquez chasing.
Rumors, tension, and excitement were palpable in the paddock at the Motul TT Assen as the battle for direct entry to Q2 unfolded during Friday afternoon’s hour-long Practice session. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) ended the day on top, completing a perfect day in the Netherlands. Bagnaia set a scorching time early in Practice and improved later, clocking an impressive 1:31.340. Remarkably, this was the first time the reigning champion had topped the first Friday session in the premier class, despite his two World Championships and impressive record.
The competition was fierce, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) securing second place after a final fast lap, ending just 0.065s behind Bagnaia. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had a strong finish, placing third with a remarkable lap, though still trailing the top two.
The session was dramatic, culminating in the final 15-minute time attack. Bagnaia initially led as red sectors lit up the track, but Viñales temporarily took over. Bagnaia quickly reclaimed P1 with his next flying lap.
Elsewhere, Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had a close call with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), but no harm was done. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) took fourth despite a crash in the closing minutes, ending his session early but passing fit to race. Jorge Martin rounded out the top five.
Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) secured sixth place with an incredible front-end save, improving on his 22nd lap. Brad Binder represented Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in seventh, with his teammate Miller finishing in 18th. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) held onto eighth place despite a late crash, while Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) completed the top 10, securing direct entry into Q2.
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) narrowly missed out in 11th, followed by Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio. They will be among the first to push for a spot in Q1 on Saturday.
Watch MotoGP on Saturday morning for the action, leading up to the Tissot Sprint at the TT Circuit Assen.
FP2: 10:10 (UTC +2)
Q1: 10:50
Q2: 11:15
Tissot Sprint: 15:00
Moto 2 Aldeguer sets new lap record as Roberts suffers Assen blow
Friday’s Motul TT Assen Moto2™ honors went to Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp Racing), who set a new intermediate class lap record with a 1:35.912. He led Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) and Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing). Unfortunately, Roberts suffered a highside crash at Turn 7, resulting in a right collarbone fracture and ruling him out of Saturday and Sunday’s action.
World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) finished a close fourth, with less than three tenths separating the top four as they head into Saturday’s crucial Practice 2 and qualifying sessions.
Home stars Bo Bendsneyder (Preicanos Racing Team) and Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW – Idrofoglia Racing GP) secured provisional automatic Q2 spots, placing 12th and 14th respectively. They aim to maintain their positions when Practice 2 concludes on Saturday morning.
The session begins at 09:25 local time (UTC +2), with qualifying starting at 13:45.
Moto 3 Veijer bags home turf top spot as Alonso crashes twice
Home hero Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) claimed the top spot on Day 1 at Assen, setting a 1:40.259 to lead the lightweight class by 0.294 seconds. Ryusei Yamanaka and his MT Helmets – MSI teammate Ivan Ortola had strong Fridays, finishing in P2 and P3 respectively.
World Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) experienced a challenging day, crashing twice in Practice 1 but escaping unhurt. He ended the day in P9. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), second in the title race, finished in P10 as both top contenders aim to close the gap to Veijer.
Tune into Moto3™ Practice 2 at 08:40 local time (UTC +2) on motogp.com on Saturday morning, with qualifying starting at 12:50.
Official MotoGP Press Release
