MotoGP Round Up Friday Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona

Bagnaia lands first blow as Martin heads into match point Saturday in P5

Bagnaia Strikes First as Friday Drama Unfolds in #TheRematch Decider

The intensity of #TheRematch reached a new level on Day 1 of the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) set the early tone, delivering a statement performance in Practice and claiming the top spot. Meanwhile, Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) encountered a few challenges but managed to secure fifth place, ensuring his place in Q2.

With Saturday looming as the most critical day of the season, both riders are bracing for the decisive moments ahead.

Bagnaia Dominates Day 1

The reigning champion, Bagnaia, showcased his intent by topping the timesheets, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling weekend. Bagnaia’s efforts not only set a psychological benchmark but also solidified his position as Martin’s fiercest rival.

Marco Bezzecchi, Bagnaia’s compatriot and a key ally, delivered an equally impressive performance, finishing second. As Bezzecchi prepares to bid farewell to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, his strong showing suggests he’s aiming for a podium farewell at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Home hero Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) rounded out the top three. The retiring Catalan rider demonstrated his class with a late-session surge, finishing just 0.107 seconds behind Bagnaia.

Practice Action Heats Up

For much of the session, riders focused on refining their setups, leaving the final 15 minutes for the high-octane action fans expect.

Initially, Martin surged to the top with a blistering lap time of 1:39.214, asserting his dominance. However, the competition was fierce:

• Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) stunned the paddock with a 1:39.197 lap, temporarily claiming P1.
• Bagnaia and Bezzecchi quickly responded, with Bagnaia ultimately taking the lead by 0.080 seconds over his VR46 Academy teammate.
• Despite a front-end scare at Turn 5, Martin’s earlier efforts secured him a solid P5 finish.

In the end, the top five—Bagnaia, Bezzecchi, Zarco, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), and Martin—were separated by less than a tenth of a second.

Final Q2 Standings

The riders clinching automatic Q2 spots were:

1. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)
2. Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
3. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing)
4. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR)
5. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing)
6. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing)
7. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)
8. Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)
9. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3)
10. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team)

Just missing out on Q2 was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who fell short by a mere 0.020 seconds.

The Stage Is Set

Bagnaia heads into Saturday at the top of the standings, perfectly positioned to keep the title fight alive. For Martin, currently 24 points ahead in the Championship, Saturday offers the opportunity to secure his destiny. But with Bagnaia and a fiercely competitive field, the road to the title won’t be easy.

Saturday Schedule (UTC+1):

• FP2: 10:00
• Q1: 10:50
• Q2: 11:15
• Tissot Sprint: 15:00

Will Martin emerge as the new World Champion by the end of the Tissot Sprint, or will Bagnaia force the battle into Sunday? The countdown to a defining day begins now.

Bring it on.

Moto2 Canet two tenths clear of the chasers on Day 1

Aron Canet Dominates Friday in Moto2™ Practice at Barcelona

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) showed formidable form on Day 1 of the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, setting the fastest time in Moto2™ Practice with a 1:42.426. This gave the Spaniard a 0.231-second advantage over his closest competitor, Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), as the fight for grid positions heats up ahead of Saturday’s qualifying.

Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) rounded out the top three, with the Spaniard aiming to secure third in the Championship standings.

Top Five Performances

1. Aron Canet: Leads the pack with an impressive lap that sets the tone for the weekend.
2. Jake Dixon: Ends his final Friday with the Aspar outfit on a high note in P2.
3. Manuel Gonzalez: Positions himself well in his quest for a Championship podium.
4. Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing): Fresh from a stunning podium in Malaysia, Navarro carried his momentum into a solid P4 finish in Practice 1.
5. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo): The Sepang race winner continued his fine form, wrapping up Friday in fifth.

Solid Showings from Key Riders

• Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI): The newly crowned Moto2™ World Champion concluded Friday in P6, preparing for his upcoming debut in MotoGP™.
• Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp): Making his return to the grid, Aldeguer finished P7 and aims to end his Moto2™ chapter on a high note before stepping up to MotoGP™.

What’s Next?

Saturday promises to be a crucial day as the grid takes shape for the Grand Prix. The action kicks off with Practice 2 at 09:25 (UTC+1), followed by the high-stakes qualifying sessions at 13:45.

Will Canet maintain his edge, or can Dixon, Gonzalez, and the rest of the pack rise to the challenge? Stay tuned for another thrilling day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Bring on Qualifying!

Moto3 Holgado pips Muñoz to Friday honours

Daniel Holgado Leads the Way in Moto3™ Practice 1 at Barcelona

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) kicked off the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona in dominant fashion, setting the fastest time in Moto3™ Practice 1 with a 1:46.568. However, his advantage was slim, as fellow Spaniard David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) finished just a tenth behind in a highly competitive session.

Completing the top three was Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing), whose Honda was less than two-tenths off Holgado’s pace, signaling a tight battle for qualifying and the race.

Top Performers on Friday

1. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3): Fastest rider of the session, showcasing early dominance.
2. David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports): Close behind, pushing hard to challenge Holgado for pole.
3. Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing): Strong start with a pace just under two-tenths off P1.
4. Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports): Secured a solid P4 as he looks to carry momentum into Saturday.
5. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP): The Dutchman is locked in a battle with Holgado for the 2024 silver medal and matched Kelso’s pace. Both riders are tied on points heading into the weekend.

Notable Mentions

• David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team): The Colombian rider had a quieter day, finishing P14, just inside the Q2 cutoff. Alonso will be looking for significant improvements in Practice 2 to secure a better starting position.

What’s Next?

With just fractions of a second separating the leaders, Saturday promises high drama as the grid shapes up. The action resumes with Practice 2 at 08:40 (UTC+1), followed by the all-important qualifying sessions starting at 12:50.

Will Holgado maintain his edge, or can Muñoz and Piqueras rise to the occasion? Stay tuned for more thrilling Moto3™ action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya!