Bagnaia sets stunning lap record to deny Morbidelli and Martin on Day 1
The reigning champion throws down the gauntlet to the Pramac duo, with Marquez lurking in P4 and reporting significant progress.
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) dominated Friday’s premier class timesheets, setting a sensational new lap record at the Red Bull Ring with a 1:28.508. His impressive performance left the Pramac duo in his wake, with Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) taking P2, closely following teammate Jorge Martin. Despite their strong showing, the gap to Bagnaia was 0.2s and 0.3s, respectively. The reigning champion has thrown down an early challenge at the Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich.
The session was not without drama. Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team both crashed in the opening stages, with Di Giannantonio dislocating his left shoulder, ruling him out for the weekend as he focuses on recovery for the next round.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) also had a challenging day, crashing three times, with the final incident at Turn 9. Despite being unhurt and quickly returning to the track, his troubles didn’t end there. Wildcard Pol Espargaro was forced to retire from the session with a bike issue just before the time attacks, ending his day prematurely.
As the time attacks concluded, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) secured P4, earning a safe spot in Q2, while Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) made a late charge to finish fifth, knocking Acosta into Q1. Binder finished ahead of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) recovering to seventh after a tough FP1 that saw him crash twice at the same spot.
Maverick Viñales secured eighth, with both factory Aprilias advancing to Q2 despite early struggles. Bezzecchi and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) rounded out the top 10, despite Bastianini’s late crash.
Q1 on Saturday promises to be intense, with Acosta aiming for redemption after missing out on a Q2 spot by just 0.027s.
Saturday Schedule:
- FP2: 10:10 (UTC +2)
- Q1: 10:50
- Q2: 11:15
- Tissot Sprint: 15:00
Moto 2 Catch me if you can: Ogura charges to Day 1 double
Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) dominated Friday, taking P1 in both Free Practice and Practice 1. The Japanese star was unbeatable at a track where he has a strong record. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) provided the closest competition, trailing Ogura by just 0.152 seconds heading into Saturday. Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) rounded out the top three, finishing just over two and a half tenths behind Ogura.
- World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) secured P8 on Day 1. It was also announced that the Spaniard will stay with his current team in Moto2™ through 2025.
- Title contender Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) managed to secure a provisional Q2 spot, finishing P14 on Day 1. Meanwhile, fellow Championship hopeful Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) had a tough start, ending the day in P21.
Can anyone stop Ogura on Saturday? Find out when Moto2™ Practice begins at 09:25, followed by qualifying at 13:45.
Moto 3 Rueda pips Alonso to reign at the Ring on Friday
Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claimed P1 in Moto3™ at the Red Bull Ring with a 1:40.171, narrowly beating Championship leader David Alonso by just 0.051 seconds. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) took a close P3, finishing only 0.069 seconds behind the Spaniard.
- Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) continued his strong form, following up his P3 in Free Practice with the fourth-fastest time in the afternoon session, marking a solid day for the Australian.
- British GP winner and title contender Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) ended Day 1 in P6. It was also confirmed that the Spaniard will move up to Moto2™ in 2025, partnering with Sergio Garcia at MT Helmets – MSI.
Don’t miss Moto3™ Practice 2 at 08:40 local time (UTC +2), followed by qualifying at 12:50.
Official MotoGP Press Release
