Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the seven-time MotoGP World Champion turned a lap time of 1:37.436 to lead the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 1:37.572 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Pedro Acosta was third at 1:37.638 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Marco Bezzecchi finished the session fourth with a 1:37.713 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.
Fermin Aldeguer got fifth on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26 with a lap time of 1:37.816.
Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track, the Spaniard broke the All-Time Lap Record Of 1:40.229 he set yesterday during the practice session with a time of 1:39.913 to lead the field of 28 riders.
David Alonso was the best of the rest with a 1:40.037 on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex.
Tony Arbolino was third-fastest with a 1:40.164 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 23rd with a best time of 1:41.505 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Michael Dunlop (Scars Racing Ducati) took his 35th victory at the Isle of Man TT Races on Friday afternoon as he defeated Dean Harrison (Honda Racing UK) by 26.1s in the second Monster Energy Supersport race with Peter Hickman (Trooper Triumph by PHR Performance) once again completing the podium in third.
In a repeat of Tuesday’s race, Dunlop had to overhaul Harrison as the latter again came out of the blocks quickest, setting the fastest lap of the race at 129.218mph on lap one. However, Dunlop gained time at the pits and by Glen Helen on lap two had taken the lead for the first time, pulling away from there on in. It was Dunlop’s 54th TT podium in his 97th race start.
After an hour’s delay, the race got underway at 12.45pm under sunny skies although a strong breeze was prevalent and it was Harrison who led at Glen Helen first time around, his advantage over Dunlop 1.4s.
Dean Harrison (3). Photo by Barry Clay.
Hickman was 2.7s further back in third as Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing powered by Prosper2 Ducati), Josh Brookes (Uggly & Co. Racing Suzuki), and Dominic Herbertson (KTS Macadam Triumph Factory Racing) completed the early top six although Mike Browne (Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing Yamaha) wasn’t registering on the times at the first sector point due to an intermittent transponder. Just 1.4s covered the sixth to tenth placed riders.
Over Ballaugh Bridge for the first time, Harrison had added another half second to his lead with a sector time only 0.8s outside the quickest ever, set by Dunlop twelve months ago. Hickman had lost a bit of ground though, the Triumph rider now four seconds behind Dunlop.
By Ramsey Hairpin, Harrison’s lead went out to 2.6s, and Dunlop had also pulled further away from Hickman, with Jordan now only 2.6s adrift in fourth.
Peter Hickman (10). Photo by Barry Clay.
Harrison added another 1.2s to his lead on the climb up Snaefell, from Ramsey to the Bungalow, and an opening lap of 129.218mph gave him a lead of 3.6s over Dunlop (128.768mph) as they came into the pits for their mandatory stop, the lap speeds indicative of the good conditions.
Hickman (127.724mph) remained in third but was now 8.6s down on Dunlop although he’d edged away from Jordan with the gap between the two now 4.6s, the latter setting his quickest ever Supersport lap at 127.164mph.
Brookes (126.252mph) and Herbertson (125.892mph) slotted into fifth and sixth as Jamie Coward (Rapid Honda by DriveLife), Shaun Anderson (Stanford Racing by ARD Suzuki), Ian Hutchinson (Burrows Engineering/RK Racing Ducati) and Conor Cummins (North Lincs Components Suzuki) rounded out the top ten as Browne remained absent from the leaderboard.
However, it was all change at Glen Helen on the second lap as Dunlop took over the lead, the Ulsterman going 1.7s clear largely due to having a substantially quicker pit stop to the tune of five seconds.
Michael Dunlop (6). Photo by Barry Clay.
Dunlop was now in the ascendancy, increasing his lead over Harrison to four seconds at Ballaugh with Hickman doubling his advantage over Jordan, the gap between the two now 8.3s. It was close for fifth though with only 0.1s between Brookes and Herbertson whilst Browne was estimated to be close to the two riders as well.
The lead increased again at Ramsey, Dunlop’s advantage now 7.6s and going into the final 37.73 miles he’d looked to have broken the challenge of Harrison, just as he had done in race one, with the lead up to a substantial 16s.
Hickman was looking more and more secure in third with Jordan having now pulled nine seconds clear of Brookes. It was close for sixth though with little to choose between Herbertson and Browne. Coward, Anderson and Hutchinson continued to circulate at the bottom end of the top ten, but Cummins’ strong ride was over as he pulled into the pits to retire.
Mike Browne (1). Photo by Barry Clay.
At Glen Helen for the final time, Dunlop’s lead was up to 18.6s and he wasn’t to be denied his 35th TT win, a final lap speed of 128.405mph seeing him take the chequered flag some 26.1s ahead of Harrison (127.197mph).
Harrison’s margin over Hickman (127.446mph) was equally comfortable at 13.5s but there was change for fourth right at the end as Browne set his quickest ever Supersport lap, in excess of 127mph, to pinch the result off good friend Jordan (126.241mph) by 0.9s, Jordan having to nurse the bike home on the final lap.
Brookes (127.132mph) was only 1.6s further back, the Australian also setting his fastest Supersport lap, as Herbertson, Coward, Anderson and Hutchinson completed the top ten. Mitch Rees (Milenco by Padgetts Honda) claimed his best TT result in 11th with other strong rides coming from Pierre Yves Bian (14th) and Erno Kostamo (16th), the latter the first privateer home.
Maximo Quiles led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Quiles used his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM to lap the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track in 1:45.148, which led the field of 26 riders and broke David Muñoz’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:45.700 from 2025.
David Muñoz was second-best with a time of 1:45.424 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP KTM.
His teammate, David Almansa claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:45.462.
Following a technical infringement and subsequent penalties, the #31 drops from third overall.
Two engines used by Leopard Racing rider Adrian Fernandez in 2026 have been found to have been opened without authorization, according to findings from the Technical Director and the official reports from the engine manufacturer. Subsequently, the FIM MotoGP Stewards have disqualified Fernandez from the first six Grands Prix of the season – the events where the engines were used.
According to the Sanctions documents, after the French GP, the engine manufacturer requested – as is standard – for the seals be removed from their riders first group of engines, which had reached the end of their service life. It was observed that the seals on one of Fernandez’ engines were not consistent with the standard wiring procedure.
Following further checks, and based on the Technical Director’s findings regarding the seals and the official report from the engine manufacturer, it was found that this engine was opened without authorisation.
The technical infringement means the engine must be counted as new in the rider’s allocation, according to Art. 2.6.3.3.13(c): “an engine with damaged, tampered with or missing security seals is deemed to have been rebuilt and must be treated as a new engine in the rider allocation.”
In addition, the FIM MotoGP Stewards have imposed penalties. They found this contravenes Article 2.6.3.3 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations, Moto3™ class Engine Durability and Article 3.3.2.2 (any corrupt or fraudulent act, or any action prejudicial to the interests of the meetings or of the sport, carried out by a person or a group of persons occurring during an event).
The penalty for this from the Stewards is disqualification from the Thai, Brazilian, US and Spanish Grands Prix – events in which this engine was used.
Then, at the conclusion of the race weekend in Mugello, some engines were requested to be surrendered by the Leopard Racing team so that they could be examined to determine whether they conformed with the regulations.
Once removed, the engines were inspected by the engine manufacturer, to confirm the condition of the seals at the time they were surrendered by the team. During this process, it was observed that both the seals wires and sealing stickers on one engine showed evidence of tampering.
The engine was transported to the subsequent event under the supervision of Technical Control and there, opened by the engine manufacturer for inspection under the supervision of the Technical Director. During this procedure, the engine manufacturer identified various anomalies indicating that this engine had been adjusted and therefore opened.
Therefore, based on the Technical Director’s findings and the official report from the engine manufacturer, it was also found that this second engine had been opened without authorisation.
Again, it is considered a new engine in the rider allocation due to the technical infringement. And again, the Stewards have imposed a penalty – disqualification from the French and Catalan GPs, where this second engine was used.
This leaves the #31 with only the 13 points from the Italian GP at Mugello, dropping him from third in the standings to the lower end of the top 20.
Read the full penalty documents from the FIM MotoGP Stewards HERE and HERE.
All-New Engine and Chassis Updates Usher in a New Era of Performance.
MARIETTA, Ga. –Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, has announced its all-new 2027 YZ250F, adopting significant changes including an all-new engine and chassis designed to make the class-defining middleweight champion even better. The YZ250F is the proven class leader in the 250cc segment, earning more shootout wins in top MX publications than any of its competitors, and helping propel current West and East Supercross champions Haiden Deegan and Cole Davies to their 250cc title sweep this season. The YZ250F dominated the Supercross season, winning an astounding 16 out of 17 Main Events.
“The 2027 YZ250F receives a completely redesigned engine and extensive chassis changes to provide the highest level of performance for winning races,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “The balance of increased power and improved handling characteristics have pushed the bike to a new level of performance from weekend track riding to competitive racing at the highest level.”
An all-new engine has been designed for high-revving performance that delivers a linear engine response with more power and torque through the rpm range, increasing the rev limit by 700 rpm from the previous model. This was achieved through the adoption of a rocker arm with finger follower system derived from Yamaha’s SuperSport YZF-R1, and intake refinements that allow for increased airflow and higher revs. Despite the increase in power, revisions to the air cleaner box and exhaust systems help make the 2027 YZ250F noise-compliant, meeting FIM/AMA regulations with a tuned exhaust note that is both more pleasing and comfortable to the rider.
Transferring power to the rear wheel, an all-new hydraulic clutch design replaces the coil springs of the previous model with a new disc spring and integrates primary gear and basket into a single steel unit. The result is a more compact, lightweight and durable assembly which yields smoother, more consistent engagement, requiring less effort while eliminating the need for on-track adjustments.
Yamaha Reveals the New 2027 YZ250F. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
The 2027 YZ250F adopts the same advanced aluminum bilateral beam frame as the YZ450F, delivering an unrivaled balance of rigidity and flex characteristics. The new inner and outer structure, including a thinner front downtube, provide improved stability, better cornering performance and a precise, confidence inspiring front-end feel. New engine brackets have been designed for optimized rigidity, improving comfort and straight-line stability with a more manageable character and a predicable response. These combined chassis updates result in greater usability in everything from slow, tight corners to high-speed sweepers and rough, rutty corner entries and exits, providing a motorcycle that’s easier to tip in, easier to choose and hold a line, with a higher level of overall handling performance.
A new high performance KYB® rear shock and revised fork setting tuned specifically for the YZ250F complement the new frame. The suspension combo provides enhanced damping force with less bump reaction and pitching movement. The updated shock also has a new hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments.
The rear braking system has gone through a significant overhaul, resulting in a lightweight compact design that delivers improved control with a linear buildup of stopping power. The rear brake caliper piston, the master cylinder piston and the rear brake disc were all reduced in size, with additional revisions to the brake line material and disc rotor bolts to reduce un-sprung weight. Even with reduced size and weight, the braking system retains progressive and strong stopping characteristics. In addition, the rear brake pedal tip also now uses bolt-type fasteners instead of rivets for simplified maintenance.
2027 Yamaha YZ250F Monster Energy Edition. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
As part of the YZ250F’s evolution, styling cues are matched with the flagship YZ450F and now include a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics. The honeycomb-pattern seat cover material also enhances rider movement on the motorcycle in various track conditions.
Finally, the industry-leading Yamaha Power Tuner app retains full functionality of the previous version and adds an ECU lock function for theft deterrence, allowing owners to prevent unauthorized engine start-up via a password-required lock accessed through the app.
More powerful 250cc four-stroke engine with a revised, more linear power delivery for added control and rideability across the entire powerband
A revised and tuned intake and exhaust meets the latest FIM/AMA noise compliant regulations
New hydraulic clutch offers lighter lever feel, smoother feathering and a consistent mesh point
Advanced fuel injection via a 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization and power for a wide range of riding conditions
Five-speed transmission with tri-shaft layout vertically stacks transmission shafts for a lighter, more compact configuration
Yamaha’s industry-leading Power Tuner App includes intuitive “Quick Setting” slide bar giving the rider direct access to engine tuning, revised Traction & Launch Control settings, and an ECU-lock function
New frame design balances rigidity and flex characteristics for a calmer front-end feel and enhanced stability
Compact body includes seamless, rounded features that ease rider movement for enhanced control
High-spec fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB® coil spring-type fork provides exceptional feel and bump absorption
New high performance KYB® rear shock enhances low-speed damping and smooths the damping transition between low and high speeds for enhanced control in a variety of conditions
New compact and lightweight rear braking system improves controllability with a linear buildup of stopping power
Updated styling includes a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics
Honeycomb-pattern seat cover material maintains ease in rider sliding forward while improving hold from sliding rearward during acceleration
Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides effortless engine starts
The new 2027 YZ250F will be available from dealers this September in Team Yamaha Blue for $9,099 MSRP, and a Monster Energy Edition will also be available from dealers this September for $9,299 MSRP.
2027 Yamaha YZ250F Monster Energy Edition. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Yamaha BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2027 YZ models are eligible for Yamaha’s current BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features over $10 million for Yamaha BLU CRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a BLU CRU debit card, receive a BLU CRU welcome kit and exclusive invitations to special BLU CRU events and training opportunities.
For complete details on how to register for the BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motorsports website at: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/blucru-registration.
Learn more about Yamaha’s complete off-road lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, four corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing USA (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiaries Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and Torqeedo Inc. (Illinois) and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide
Pedro Acosta led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:36.827 to lead the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 1:37.240 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Raul Fernandez was third at 1:37.328 on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.
Fermin Aldeguer finished the session fourth with a 1:37.440 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Ai Ogura, Fernandez’s teammate, got fifth with a lap time of 1:37.481.
Acosta superior for Balaton Park P1 on Friday. Less than a second covers the top ten after a tight opening day in Hungary.
A dominant afternoon in the books for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) with the Spaniard more than four tenths clear of the opposition and leading the MotoGP field into Sprint Saturday at Balaton Park. A perfect Friday at the Hungarian GP saw the KTM star ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) as the chequered flag fell on Friday at Balaton Park.
FIRST HALF: the dice begins to roll
As the field rolled out of pitlane, the clock started ticking down for the all-important top 10 placings to be decided ahead of Saturday action. Enjoying a good stint at the top, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was leading the way as he continues to get back to full fitness and acclimatised to MotoGP. On the halfway mark of the session, Acosta took himself into P1, the #37 really gelling with Balaton Park on Friday having been third in the morning behind Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who after being P1 in FP1, was second with 25 minutes on the clock.
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED: shock, surprises and more
Getting down into the final 20 minutes, one of the big surprises came in the shape of Iker Lecuona (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), with the WorldSBK super sub putting together a lap that saw him go P9. Soon enough, others also followed suit with the likes of Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR), Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and teammate Enea Bastianini getting themselves into Q2 spots. Aldeguer was back inside the top two places whilst the likes of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) were in need of a lap.
FINAL 5 MINUTES: time to push for Q2 spots
It was all to play for as we approached the chequered flag approached; Marini got himself provisionally into P7 whilst Pecco was P8. Moreira, who was briefly out of the top ten, retaliated with sixth whereas for Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), it was all over as the South African crashed when he was set to move into the top ten. There were late improvements from Di Giannantonio to go second and Fernandez to go third but nobody could lay a glove on Acosta, setting a 1’36.827 to see ‘The Shark’ lead into the rest of the weekend as the rider to beat.
FRIDAY TOP 10: battle on at Balaton
Acosta set the only 1’36 of the weekend and has a margin of over four tenths of a second back to ‘Diggia’ in second; Fernandez finished Friday as he started it with a P3, making it three different teams and manufacturers inside the top three. Aldeguer was a solid fourth ahead of Ogura and Bezzecchi whilst Marc Marquez clinched seventh. The top ten was completed by Moreira, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) who made it all four Aprilias directly into Q2 and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), with ‘Thriller’ putting in a late lap for tenth overall.
HOTLY CONTESTED Q1: plenty of stars and World Champions down field
Close but not enough for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) who was 11th, just 0.054s ahead of Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). Bagnaia was only 14th, one place ahead of Bastianini and then Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) who was 16th; teammate Marini was 13th. Lecuona’s surprise charge for a Q2 placing ended with him in 17th but just under three tenths away from Miller in P10.
Manuel Gonzalez led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:40.229, topping the field of 28 riders and breaking Diogo Moreira’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:40.380 from 2025.
David Alonso was second-best with a time of 1:40.432 on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex.
Filip Salac did a third-fastest 1:40.540 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Daniel Muñoz got fourth on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex with a time of 1:40.656.
Alberto Ferrandez was fifth on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro with a lap time of 1:40.675.
American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 23rd with a best time of 1:41.327 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Gonzalez dominates Balaton Friday, Vietti heading into Q1.The Moto2 title race leader bags a double P1 on the opening day, Alonso sits P2, as third in the championship Vietti fails to finish inside the top 14.
As Fridays go, that was about as good as it gets for Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) at Balaton Park. A new all-time lap record was set by the Moto2 title race pacesetter, a 1:40.229, to see the Spaniard finish 0.2s clear of second fastest David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), and 0.3s ahead of third place Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team).
The big news from Moto2’s Practice session was Celestino Vietti (MB Conveyors SpeedRS Team) missing out on a place inside the top 14, with the Italian sat in the box in the closing stages with what appeared to be some form of issue. The back-to-back P2 finisher, and the rider who sits third in the overall standings, has work to do on Saturday.
A late lap from Daniel Muñoz (Italtrans Racing Team) saw the Brazil podium finisher earn a P4 on Day 1 in Hungary, while top Boscoscuro honours went to rookie Alberto Ferrandez (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) in P5.
Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) had a tricky day at the office following an out-lap crash in FP1, but the rider second in the title chase will be in Q2 after a P11 on Friday. However, more is needed from Gonzalez’s closest challengers heading into the weekend.
Maximo Quiles led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Quiles used his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM to lap the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track in 1:46.296 to lead the field of 26 riders.
Honda Team Asia’s Veda Pratama was second-best with a time of 1:46.657.
David Almansa, piloting his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:46.689.
His teammate, David Muñoz got fourth with a lap time of 1:46.773.
Joel Kelso finished the practice session fifth on his GRYD Racing Honda with a time of 1:46.832.
Quiles bounces back with Friday honours in Hungary. The Championship leader won at Balaton Park in 2025 and seeks a repeat performance.
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) hit the front of Practice in Moto3 at Balaton Park and never looked back as he topped the opening day of action. Fast in the morning but fastest in the afternoon, his 1’46.269 saw him take top spot by more than three tenths of a second, returning from his first finish outside the top ten at Mugello with a vengeance.
Setting his lap time earlier in the session, the #28 remained unbeaten for the rest of the session, just ahead of late improver Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) who took top Honda honours. Fastest in FP1 and third in the afternoon, David Almansa (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) was back on track after his Mugello illness to complete the top three, just 0.032s behind the Indonesian in second.
Almansa’s teammate David Muñoz was fourth whilst Joel Kelso (GRYD – MLav Racing) was a strong and solid fifth. Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) rounded out the top six in what was an impressive showing from the Irishman. Elsewhere, Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) got into Q2 directly for the first time since we touched down in Europe whilst Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was only 13th – but still good enough to move into Q2. Teammate and Moto3’s most-recent winner, Brian Uriarte, could only manage 18th place, leaving him in Q1.
Marc Marquez topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Michelin-shod Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26, the Spaniard turned a lap of 1:38.626 around the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Raul Fernandez was second-best with a 1:38.795 on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.
Pedro Acosta was third with a lap of 1:38.924 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Marc Marquez fastest out the blocks in Balaton Park FP1. The World Champion tops the opening stint of the weekend in Hungary by over a tenth as Aprilia and KTM earn Friday morning top three results.
For the first time since the 2025 Grand Prix of Hungary, reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) begins a weekend with a P1 result after the still-recovering Spaniard beat second fastest Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) by 0.169s in MotoGP FP1. Third place to kickstart the weekend was Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the #37 sitting 0.298s adrift of Marquez as Ducati lead Aprilia and KTM into Practice this afternoon at Balaton Park.
Acosta led the session by over half a second until Marquez beat his compatriot’s time by 0.002s with just under 20 minutes of FP1 remaining, and on the next lap, the #93 stretched his legs to get down to a 1:38.626 – a time that wasn’t beaten for the rest of the Friday morning stint.
Fernandez got closest; the Mugello Tissot Sprint winner nipped in ahead of Acosta, with a pair of Ducatis completing the top five in the form of Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
Another Ducati, this time Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), ended FP1 in P6, 0.615s away from teammate Marquez, as Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) led top Honda Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and championship pacesetter Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) in the lower ends of the top 10, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) 10th fastest. A promising start to the weekend for the Turk.
Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) began the weekend with a P12, so the #89 will be wanting more when Practice bursts into life at 15:00 local time (UTC +2) in Hungary.
Marc Marquez (93) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the seven-time MotoGP World Champion turned a lap time of 1:37.436 to lead the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 1:37.572 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Pedro Acosta was third at 1:37.638 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Marco Bezzecchi finished the session fourth with a 1:37.713 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.
Fermin Aldeguer got fifth on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26 with a lap time of 1:37.816.
Manuel Gonzalez (18) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track, the Spaniard broke the All-Time Lap Record Of 1:40.229 he set yesterday during the practice session with a time of 1:39.913 to lead the field of 28 riders.
David Alonso was the best of the rest with a 1:40.037 on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex.
Tony Arbolino was third-fastest with a 1:40.164 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 23rd with a best time of 1:41.505 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Michael Dunlop (6) has extended his legendary win record to 35 victories by capturing Supersport Race 2 at the 2026 Isle of Man TT.
The triumph marks his 10th consecutive Supersport division win on the Mountain Course. Photo by Barry Clay.
Dunlop wins 35th TT with Supersport supremacy.
Michael Dunlop (Scars Racing Ducati) took his 35th victory at the Isle of Man TT Races on Friday afternoon as he defeated Dean Harrison (Honda Racing UK) by 26.1s in the second Monster Energy Supersport race with Peter Hickman (Trooper Triumph by PHR Performance) once again completing the podium in third.
In a repeat of Tuesday’s race, Dunlop had to overhaul Harrison as the latter again came out of the blocks quickest, setting the fastest lap of the race at 129.218mph on lap one. However, Dunlop gained time at the pits and by Glen Helen on lap two had taken the lead for the first time, pulling away from there on in. It was Dunlop’s 54th TT podium in his 97th race start.
After an hour’s delay, the race got underway at 12.45pm under sunny skies although a strong breeze was prevalent and it was Harrison who led at Glen Helen first time around, his advantage over Dunlop 1.4s.
Dean Harrison (3). Photo by Barry Clay.
Hickman was 2.7s further back in third as Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing powered by Prosper2 Ducati), Josh Brookes (Uggly & Co. Racing Suzuki), and Dominic Herbertson (KTS Macadam Triumph Factory Racing) completed the early top six although Mike Browne (Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing Yamaha) wasn’t registering on the times at the first sector point due to an intermittent transponder. Just 1.4s covered the sixth to tenth placed riders.
Over Ballaugh Bridge for the first time, Harrison had added another half second to his lead with a sector time only 0.8s outside the quickest ever, set by Dunlop twelve months ago. Hickman had lost a bit of ground though, the Triumph rider now four seconds behind Dunlop.
By Ramsey Hairpin, Harrison’s lead went out to 2.6s, and Dunlop had also pulled further away from Hickman, with Jordan now only 2.6s adrift in fourth.
Peter Hickman (10). Photo by Barry Clay.
Harrison added another 1.2s to his lead on the climb up Snaefell, from Ramsey to the Bungalow, and an opening lap of 129.218mph gave him a lead of 3.6s over Dunlop (128.768mph) as they came into the pits for their mandatory stop, the lap speeds indicative of the good conditions.
Hickman (127.724mph) remained in third but was now 8.6s down on Dunlop although he’d edged away from Jordan with the gap between the two now 4.6s, the latter setting his quickest ever Supersport lap at 127.164mph.
Brookes (126.252mph) and Herbertson (125.892mph) slotted into fifth and sixth as Jamie Coward (Rapid Honda by DriveLife), Shaun Anderson (Stanford Racing by ARD Suzuki), Ian Hutchinson (Burrows Engineering/RK Racing Ducati) and Conor Cummins (North Lincs Components Suzuki) rounded out the top ten as Browne remained absent from the leaderboard.
However, it was all change at Glen Helen on the second lap as Dunlop took over the lead, the Ulsterman going 1.7s clear largely due to having a substantially quicker pit stop to the tune of five seconds.
Michael Dunlop (6). Photo by Barry Clay.
Dunlop was now in the ascendancy, increasing his lead over Harrison to four seconds at Ballaugh with Hickman doubling his advantage over Jordan, the gap between the two now 8.3s. It was close for fifth though with only 0.1s between Brookes and Herbertson whilst Browne was estimated to be close to the two riders as well.
The lead increased again at Ramsey, Dunlop’s advantage now 7.6s and going into the final 37.73 miles he’d looked to have broken the challenge of Harrison, just as he had done in race one, with the lead up to a substantial 16s.
Hickman was looking more and more secure in third with Jordan having now pulled nine seconds clear of Brookes. It was close for sixth though with little to choose between Herbertson and Browne. Coward, Anderson and Hutchinson continued to circulate at the bottom end of the top ten, but Cummins’ strong ride was over as he pulled into the pits to retire.
Mike Browne (1). Photo by Barry Clay.
At Glen Helen for the final time, Dunlop’s lead was up to 18.6s and he wasn’t to be denied his 35th TT win, a final lap speed of 128.405mph seeing him take the chequered flag some 26.1s ahead of Harrison (127.197mph).
Harrison’s margin over Hickman (127.446mph) was equally comfortable at 13.5s but there was change for fourth right at the end as Browne set his quickest ever Supersport lap, in excess of 127mph, to pinch the result off good friend Jordan (126.241mph) by 0.9s, Jordan having to nurse the bike home on the final lap.
Brookes (127.132mph) was only 1.6s further back, the Australian also setting his fastest Supersport lap, as Herbertson, Coward, Anderson and Hutchinson completed the top ten. Mitch Rees (Milenco by Padgetts Honda) claimed his best TT result in 11th with other strong rides coming from Pierre Yves Bian (14th) and Erno Kostamo (16th), the latter the first privateer home.
Maximo Quiles (28) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Maximo Quiles led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Quiles used his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM to lap the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track in 1:45.148, which led the field of 26 riders and broke David Muñoz’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:45.700 from 2025.
David Muñoz was second-best with a time of 1:45.424 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP KTM.
His teammate, David Almansa claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:45.462.
Adrian Fernandez (31) at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Leopard.
Following a technical infringement and subsequent penalties, the #31 drops from third overall.
Two engines used by Leopard Racing rider Adrian Fernandez in 2026 have been found to have been opened without authorization, according to findings from the Technical Director and the official reports from the engine manufacturer. Subsequently, the FIM MotoGP Stewards have disqualified Fernandez from the first six Grands Prix of the season – the events where the engines were used.
According to the Sanctions documents, after the French GP, the engine manufacturer requested – as is standard – for the seals be removed from their riders first group of engines, which had reached the end of their service life. It was observed that the seals on one of Fernandez’ engines were not consistent with the standard wiring procedure.
Following further checks, and based on the Technical Director’s findings regarding the seals and the official report from the engine manufacturer, it was found that this engine was opened without authorisation.
The technical infringement means the engine must be counted as new in the rider’s allocation, according to Art. 2.6.3.3.13(c): “an engine with damaged, tampered with or missing security seals is deemed to have been rebuilt and must be treated as a new engine in the rider allocation.”
In addition, the FIM MotoGP Stewards have imposed penalties. They found this contravenes Article 2.6.3.3 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations, Moto3™ class Engine Durability and Article 3.3.2.2 (any corrupt or fraudulent act, or any action prejudicial to the interests of the meetings or of the sport, carried out by a person or a group of persons occurring during an event).
The penalty for this from the Stewards is disqualification from the Thai, Brazilian, US and Spanish Grands Prix – events in which this engine was used.
Then, at the conclusion of the race weekend in Mugello, some engines were requested to be surrendered by the Leopard Racing team so that they could be examined to determine whether they conformed with the regulations.
Once removed, the engines were inspected by the engine manufacturer, to confirm the condition of the seals at the time they were surrendered by the team. During this process, it was observed that both the seals wires and sealing stickers on one engine showed evidence of tampering.
The engine was transported to the subsequent event under the supervision of Technical Control and there, opened by the engine manufacturer for inspection under the supervision of the Technical Director. During this procedure, the engine manufacturer identified various anomalies indicating that this engine had been adjusted and therefore opened.
Therefore, based on the Technical Director’s findings and the official report from the engine manufacturer, it was also found that this second engine had been opened without authorisation.
Again, it is considered a new engine in the rider allocation due to the technical infringement. And again, the Stewards have imposed a penalty – disqualification from the French and Catalan GPs, where this second engine was used.
This leaves the #31 with only the 13 points from the Italian GP at Mugello, dropping him from third in the standings to the lower end of the top 20.
Read the full penalty documents from the FIM MotoGP Stewards HERE and HERE.
Yamaha Launches the All-New 2027 YZ250F. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
All-New Engine and Chassis Updates Usher in a New Era of Performance.
MARIETTA, Ga. –Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, has announced its all-new 2027 YZ250F, adopting significant changes including an all-new engine and chassis designed to make the class-defining middleweight champion even better. The YZ250F is the proven class leader in the 250cc segment, earning more shootout wins in top MX publications than any of its competitors, and helping propel current West and East Supercross champions Haiden Deegan and Cole Davies to their 250cc title sweep this season. The YZ250F dominated the Supercross season, winning an astounding 16 out of 17 Main Events.
“The 2027 YZ250F receives a completely redesigned engine and extensive chassis changes to provide the highest level of performance for winning races,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “The balance of increased power and improved handling characteristics have pushed the bike to a new level of performance from weekend track riding to competitive racing at the highest level.”
An all-new engine has been designed for high-revving performance that delivers a linear engine response with more power and torque through the rpm range, increasing the rev limit by 700 rpm from the previous model. This was achieved through the adoption of a rocker arm with finger follower system derived from Yamaha’s SuperSport YZF-R1, and intake refinements that allow for increased airflow and higher revs. Despite the increase in power, revisions to the air cleaner box and exhaust systems help make the 2027 YZ250F noise-compliant, meeting FIM/AMA regulations with a tuned exhaust note that is both more pleasing and comfortable to the rider.
Transferring power to the rear wheel, an all-new hydraulic clutch design replaces the coil springs of the previous model with a new disc spring and integrates primary gear and basket into a single steel unit. The result is a more compact, lightweight and durable assembly which yields smoother, more consistent engagement, requiring less effort while eliminating the need for on-track adjustments.
Yamaha Reveals the New 2027 YZ250F. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
The 2027 YZ250F adopts the same advanced aluminum bilateral beam frame as the YZ450F, delivering an unrivaled balance of rigidity and flex characteristics. The new inner and outer structure, including a thinner front downtube, provide improved stability, better cornering performance and a precise, confidence inspiring front-end feel. New engine brackets have been designed for optimized rigidity, improving comfort and straight-line stability with a more manageable character and a predicable response. These combined chassis updates result in greater usability in everything from slow, tight corners to high-speed sweepers and rough, rutty corner entries and exits, providing a motorcycle that’s easier to tip in, easier to choose and hold a line, with a higher level of overall handling performance.
A new high performance KYB® rear shock and revised fork setting tuned specifically for the YZ250F complement the new frame. The suspension combo provides enhanced damping force with less bump reaction and pitching movement. The updated shock also has a new hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments.
The rear braking system has gone through a significant overhaul, resulting in a lightweight compact design that delivers improved control with a linear buildup of stopping power. The rear brake caliper piston, the master cylinder piston and the rear brake disc were all reduced in size, with additional revisions to the brake line material and disc rotor bolts to reduce un-sprung weight. Even with reduced size and weight, the braking system retains progressive and strong stopping characteristics. In addition, the rear brake pedal tip also now uses bolt-type fasteners instead of rivets for simplified maintenance.
2027 Yamaha YZ250F Monster Energy Edition. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
As part of the YZ250F’s evolution, styling cues are matched with the flagship YZ450F and now include a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics. The honeycomb-pattern seat cover material also enhances rider movement on the motorcycle in various track conditions.
Finally, the industry-leading Yamaha Power Tuner app retains full functionality of the previous version and adds an ECU lock function for theft deterrence, allowing owners to prevent unauthorized engine start-up via a password-required lock accessed through the app.
More powerful 250cc four-stroke engine with a revised, more linear power delivery for added control and rideability across the entire powerband
A revised and tuned intake and exhaust meets the latest FIM/AMA noise compliant regulations
New hydraulic clutch offers lighter lever feel, smoother feathering and a consistent mesh point
Advanced fuel injection via a 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization and power for a wide range of riding conditions
Five-speed transmission with tri-shaft layout vertically stacks transmission shafts for a lighter, more compact configuration
Yamaha’s industry-leading Power Tuner App includes intuitive “Quick Setting” slide bar giving the rider direct access to engine tuning, revised Traction & Launch Control settings, and an ECU-lock function
New frame design balances rigidity and flex characteristics for a calmer front-end feel and enhanced stability
Compact body includes seamless, rounded features that ease rider movement for enhanced control
High-spec fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB® coil spring-type fork provides exceptional feel and bump absorption
New high performance KYB® rear shock enhances low-speed damping and smooths the damping transition between low and high speeds for enhanced control in a variety of conditions
New compact and lightweight rear braking system improves controllability with a linear buildup of stopping power
Updated styling includes a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics
Honeycomb-pattern seat cover material maintains ease in rider sliding forward while improving hold from sliding rearward during acceleration
Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides effortless engine starts
The new 2027 YZ250F will be available from dealers this September in Team Yamaha Blue for $9,099 MSRP, and a Monster Energy Edition will also be available from dealers this September for $9,299 MSRP.
2027 Yamaha YZ250F Monster Energy Edition. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Yamaha BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2027 YZ models are eligible for Yamaha’s current BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features over $10 million for Yamaha BLU CRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a BLU CRU debit card, receive a BLU CRU welcome kit and exclusive invitations to special BLU CRU events and training opportunities.
For complete details on how to register for the BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motorsports website at: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/blucru-registration.
Learn more about Yamaha’s complete off-road lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, four corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing USA (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiaries Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and Torqeedo Inc. (Illinois) and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide
Pedro Acosta (37) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Pedro Acosta led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:36.827 to lead the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 1:37.240 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Raul Fernandez was third at 1:37.328 on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.
Fermin Aldeguer finished the session fourth with a 1:37.440 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Ai Ogura, Fernandez’s teammate, got fifth with a lap time of 1:37.481.
Acosta superior for Balaton Park P1 on Friday. Less than a second covers the top ten after a tight opening day in Hungary.
A dominant afternoon in the books for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) with the Spaniard more than four tenths clear of the opposition and leading the MotoGP field into Sprint Saturday at Balaton Park. A perfect Friday at the Hungarian GP saw the KTM star ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) as the chequered flag fell on Friday at Balaton Park.
FIRST HALF: the dice begins to roll
As the field rolled out of pitlane, the clock started ticking down for the all-important top 10 placings to be decided ahead of Saturday action. Enjoying a good stint at the top, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was leading the way as he continues to get back to full fitness and acclimatised to MotoGP. On the halfway mark of the session, Acosta took himself into P1, the #37 really gelling with Balaton Park on Friday having been third in the morning behind Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who after being P1 in FP1, was second with 25 minutes on the clock.
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED: shock, surprises and more
Getting down into the final 20 minutes, one of the big surprises came in the shape of Iker Lecuona (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), with the WorldSBK super sub putting together a lap that saw him go P9. Soon enough, others also followed suit with the likes of Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR), Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and teammate Enea Bastianini getting themselves into Q2 spots. Aldeguer was back inside the top two places whilst the likes of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) were in need of a lap.
FINAL 5 MINUTES: time to push for Q2 spots
It was all to play for as we approached the chequered flag approached; Marini got himself provisionally into P7 whilst Pecco was P8. Moreira, who was briefly out of the top ten, retaliated with sixth whereas for Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), it was all over as the South African crashed when he was set to move into the top ten. There were late improvements from Di Giannantonio to go second and Fernandez to go third but nobody could lay a glove on Acosta, setting a 1’36.827 to see ‘The Shark’ lead into the rest of the weekend as the rider to beat.
FRIDAY TOP 10: battle on at Balaton
Acosta set the only 1’36 of the weekend and has a margin of over four tenths of a second back to ‘Diggia’ in second; Fernandez finished Friday as he started it with a P3, making it three different teams and manufacturers inside the top three. Aldeguer was a solid fourth ahead of Ogura and Bezzecchi whilst Marc Marquez clinched seventh. The top ten was completed by Moreira, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) who made it all four Aprilias directly into Q2 and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), with ‘Thriller’ putting in a late lap for tenth overall.
HOTLY CONTESTED Q1: plenty of stars and World Champions down field
Close but not enough for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) who was 11th, just 0.054s ahead of Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). Bagnaia was only 14th, one place ahead of Bastianini and then Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) who was 16th; teammate Marini was 13th. Lecuona’s surprise charge for a Q2 placing ended with him in 17th but just under three tenths away from Miller in P10.
Manuel Gonzalez (18) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Manuel Gonzalez led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:40.229, topping the field of 28 riders and breaking Diogo Moreira’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:40.380 from 2025.
David Alonso was second-best with a time of 1:40.432 on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex.
Filip Salac did a third-fastest 1:40.540 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Daniel Muñoz got fourth on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex with a time of 1:40.656.
Alberto Ferrandez was fifth on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro with a lap time of 1:40.675.
American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 23rd with a best time of 1:41.327 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Gonzalez dominates Balaton Friday, Vietti heading into Q1.The Moto2 title race leader bags a double P1 on the opening day, Alonso sits P2, as third in the championship Vietti fails to finish inside the top 14.
As Fridays go, that was about as good as it gets for Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) at Balaton Park. A new all-time lap record was set by the Moto2 title race pacesetter, a 1:40.229, to see the Spaniard finish 0.2s clear of second fastest David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), and 0.3s ahead of third place Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team).
The big news from Moto2’s Practice session was Celestino Vietti (MB Conveyors SpeedRS Team) missing out on a place inside the top 14, with the Italian sat in the box in the closing stages with what appeared to be some form of issue. The back-to-back P2 finisher, and the rider who sits third in the overall standings, has work to do on Saturday.
A late lap from Daniel Muñoz (Italtrans Racing Team) saw the Brazil podium finisher earn a P4 on Day 1 in Hungary, while top Boscoscuro honours went to rookie Alberto Ferrandez (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) in P5.
Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) had a tricky day at the office following an out-lap crash in FP1, but the rider second in the title chase will be in Q2 after a P11 on Friday. However, more is needed from Gonzalez’s closest challengers heading into the weekend.
Maximo Quiles (28) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Maximo Quiles led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Quiles used his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM to lap the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track in 1:46.296 to lead the field of 26 riders.
Honda Team Asia’s Veda Pratama was second-best with a time of 1:46.657.
David Almansa, piloting his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:46.689.
His teammate, David Muñoz got fourth with a lap time of 1:46.773.
Joel Kelso finished the practice session fifth on his GRYD Racing Honda with a time of 1:46.832.
Quiles bounces back with Friday honours in Hungary. The Championship leader won at Balaton Park in 2025 and seeks a repeat performance.
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) hit the front of Practice in Moto3 at Balaton Park and never looked back as he topped the opening day of action. Fast in the morning but fastest in the afternoon, his 1’46.269 saw him take top spot by more than three tenths of a second, returning from his first finish outside the top ten at Mugello with a vengeance.
Setting his lap time earlier in the session, the #28 remained unbeaten for the rest of the session, just ahead of late improver Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) who took top Honda honours. Fastest in FP1 and third in the afternoon, David Almansa (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) was back on track after his Mugello illness to complete the top three, just 0.032s behind the Indonesian in second.
Almansa’s teammate David Muñoz was fourth whilst Joel Kelso (GRYD – MLav Racing) was a strong and solid fifth. Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) rounded out the top six in what was an impressive showing from the Irishman. Elsewhere, Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) got into Q2 directly for the first time since we touched down in Europe whilst Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was only 13th – but still good enough to move into Q2. Teammate and Moto3’s most-recent winner, Brian Uriarte, could only manage 18th place, leaving him in Q1.
Marc Marquez (93) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Marc Marquez topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Balaton Park, in Hungary. Riding his Michelin-shod Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26, the Spaniard turned a lap of 1:38.626 around the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Raul Fernandez was second-best with a 1:38.795 on his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.
Pedro Acosta was third with a lap of 1:38.924 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Marc Marquez fastest out the blocks in Balaton Park FP1. The World Champion tops the opening stint of the weekend in Hungary by over a tenth as Aprilia and KTM earn Friday morning top three results.
For the first time since the 2025 Grand Prix of Hungary, reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) begins a weekend with a P1 result after the still-recovering Spaniard beat second fastest Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) by 0.169s in MotoGP FP1. Third place to kickstart the weekend was Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the #37 sitting 0.298s adrift of Marquez as Ducati lead Aprilia and KTM into Practice this afternoon at Balaton Park.
Acosta led the session by over half a second until Marquez beat his compatriot’s time by 0.002s with just under 20 minutes of FP1 remaining, and on the next lap, the #93 stretched his legs to get down to a 1:38.626 – a time that wasn’t beaten for the rest of the Friday morning stint.
Fernandez got closest; the Mugello Tissot Sprint winner nipped in ahead of Acosta, with a pair of Ducatis completing the top five in the form of Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
Another Ducati, this time Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), ended FP1 in P6, 0.615s away from teammate Marquez, as Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) led top Honda Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and championship pacesetter Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) in the lower ends of the top 10, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) 10th fastest. A promising start to the weekend for the Turk.
Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) began the weekend with a P12, so the #89 will be wanting more when Practice bursts into life at 15:00 local time (UTC +2) in Hungary.
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Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
