Adrian Fernandez earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on Pirelli control tires, Fernandez turned a lap time of 2:09.542. Not only was that good enough to lead the 26-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse his All-Time Lap Record of 2:10.102 he set this morning. 

Ivan Ortola was the best of the rest with a 2:09.895 on his MT Helmets – MSI KTM, and David Alonso claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:10.015 on his Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO. 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Fernandez soars to pole position ahead of Ortola and Alonso. It was a maiden Moto3™ pole position for Adrian Fernandez, who will start the Malaysian GP alongside Ortola and Alonso. 

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) has charged to a maiden pole position after continuing the #31’s remarkable form at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia. Fernandez set a 2:09.542, destroying the lap record after improving on his final flying lap to place ahead of Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI). The #48 spent the majority of the session in P1 but was unable to find time further time to bring the fight to Fernandez on his second run. Ortola showed strong pace and will start alongside David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), who claimed the final spot on the front row.

Records broken in Q2

Practice 2 began Saturday’s action, with lap records being demolished by Fernandez after the #31 set a 2:10.102, with rain beginning to fall, leaving Alonso to narrowly avoid Q1 – ending the session in 14^th. It was an exhilarating Q1 to kick off the afternoon, with Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) taking the top spot ahead of David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team), Nicola Carraro (LEVELUP – MTA), and Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power), all of whom earned their shot to fight for pole.

Once Q2 got underway, Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) set the early benchmark – provisionally grabbing pole position after the first run. The flying lap – as usual – proved to be the decider for pole, with red sectors beginning to appear. It was a dramatic end to Q2 for Leopard Racing, with Angel Piqueras crashing at Turn 1 before teammate Fernandez was able to find further time in the final sector – leaping to pole position.

Holgado takes P11 on Saturday

Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) will head the second row of the grid, with the Japanese star finding pace in Malaysia. It was a strong qualifying for Suzuki, who will have Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) for company as the Australian rounds out the top five spots on the grid. Meanwhile, SIC58 Squadra Corse’s Luca Lunetta will launch from P6 on the grid as he sets sights on another podium on Sunday.

Piqueras starts from row three, with the rookie unable to make it around for another lap after his late crash. The #36 will start ahead of Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), with the Dutchman aiming to fight through the order after qualifying alongside David Almansa (Kopron Rivacold Snipers Team) in ninth. Meanwhile, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) head from 10^th and 11^th as BOE Motorsports’ David Muñoz rounds out the top 15, with the #64 handed a ride through penalty after an incident in Practice 2.

Don’t miss any of the action on Sunday as Moto3™ kicks off an exhilarating race day, with lights out at 12:00 local time (UTC +8) at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit!

Francesco Bagnaia earned pole position during MotoGP World Championship qualifying on Saturday at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP24 , the two-time and defending World Champion broke the All-Time Lap Record of 1:57.491 he set last year with a time of 1:56.337 around the 3.44-mile (5.54 km) circuit during Qualifying Two (Q2) on Saturday. 

Jorge Martin was the best of the rest with a 1:56.553 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, and Alex Marquez claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:57.275 on his Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici. 

Row-two qualifiers included Martin’s teammate, Franco Morbidelli (1:57.279), Marquez’s brother, Marc Marquez (1:57.301) and Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini (1:57.366).

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

The greatest Q2 ever? Bagnaia and Martin go head-to-head at Sepang. Pecco Bagnaia will start from pole position after a thrilling Q2 battle with Martin, which saw the lap record obliterated. 

Francesco Bagnaia has stormed to an incredible pole position at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, annihilating the previous lap record after clocking a 1:56.337. The Italian executed a flawless lap, setting up the remainder of the weekend by securing a 0.216s advantage over title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). The #89 smashed into the 1:56 bracket early on but was unable to respond on his second run after Bagnaia’s new benchmark was set. Bagnaia and Martin will be joined by Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) on the front row after a strong lap from the #73 placed the Spaniard P3 – 0.938s adrift.

Lap records demolished at Sepang

FP2 gave teams and riders a final opportunity to perfect their setups, with Bagnaia topping the timesheets after a busy session for the #1, completing laps on the circuit with Martin. The stage was now set for qualifying, with Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) setting an incredible pace at the start of Q1. Times began to drop as the riders returned to track for their second run, with Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) digging deep to secure the top two spots.

Once Q2 clicked into gear, Martin set the pace on the opening lap, charging into the 1:56 bracket for the first time. The #89 improved further, setting a new record and a new time for title rival Bagnaia to chase after the Italian ended his first run in P2. The reigning World Champion came out fighting on his second run, pushing to the limit and setting an unbelievable 1:56.337 as teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) suffered a crash in the final minute.

Marc Marquez and Bastianini head from row two

Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) spearheads the second row of the grid, improving his time in the closing moments of Q2 to bag fourth on the grid. The Italian will start ahead of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who could not find further time to qualify on the front row with fresh tyres. The #93 will have Bastianini for company on the second row of the grid, with the Italian unable to improve on the time set on his first run after a crash at Turn 15.

Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will start as the top Pierer Mobility rider, claiming seventh on the grid and continuing an incredible weekend. The #43 will be joined by Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™’s Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins on the third row, with the Yamaha duo making a further step at Sepang.

Further back, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) will start from 13^th on the grid after missing out on Q2 by 0.039s. The rookie will start in front of Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez(Trackhouse Racing), who have work to do as the lights go out. Meanwhile, Andrea Iannone(Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) will head from 17^th on the grid as he continues to make a noteworthy return to MotoGP™.

Saturday’s action does not stop yet, with further drama in store as a vital Tissot Sprint will return for lights out at 15:00 local time (UTC +8), where Bagnaia will set his sights on reducing Martin’s title advantage after qualifying on pole!

Francesco Bagnaia led MotoGP World Championship practice Saturday morning at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP24 on spec Michelin tires, the two-time and defending Champion turned a lap time of 1:58.658 topping the field of 22 riders.

Current World Championship point leader, Jorge Martin was the best of the rest with a 1:58.762 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati.

French rider, Fabio Quartararo, was third at 1:58.765 on his Monster Energy Yamaha M1. 

Albert Arenas was quickest during Moto2 World Championship practice Saturday morning at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Gresini Kalex on the 3.44-mile (5.54 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 2:04.775 to lead the field of 31 riders.

Adrian Fernandez led Moto3 World Championship practice Saturday morning at Sepang, in Malaysia. Fernandez used his Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda to lap the 3.44-mile (5.54 km) track in 2:10.102 , which led the field of 26 riders and broke Jaume Masia’s All-Time Lap Record of 2:10.846 from 2023.

His teammate, Angel Piqueras was second-best with a time of 2:10.284. 

Ivan Ortola, piloting his MT Helmets – MSI KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:10.488

Francesco Bagnaia led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP24 on spec Michelin tires, the two-time and defending Champion turned a lap time of 1:57.679 topping the field of 22 riders.

Championship leader, Jorge Martin was the best of the rest with a 1:57.729 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati.

Enea Bastianini, Bagnaia’s teammate was third at 1:57.877.

Maverick Viñales finished the session fourth with a 1:58.141 on his Aprilia RS-GP.

Classification motogp practice 2 sepang

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia maintains control with Martin in chase following a late crash. The #1 storms to the top of the timesheets with Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini in pursuit after an intense Friday in Malaysia. 

There was high pressure and high stakes on Friday afternoon, with MotoGP™ Practice serving up an intriguing 60 minutes as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) claimed top honours at the end of an adrenaline-filled Friday at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia. The #1 ends the day with just a 0.050s advantage over title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), who took second after the Spaniard crashed at Turn 1 on his final time attack. The #89 showed incredible pace throughout the session and held onto his spot inside the top three, ending the day in front of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

It was a busy start to the session, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) suffering crashes in the opening 15 minutes of Practice. Martin took top honours in the opening stages, setting a 1:58.939 on his sixth lap of the session. The #89 continued a relentless pace, pushing to the limit and setting the pace ahead of Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

Time attacks began to arrive in the final 15 minutes, with Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) becoming one of the first riders to find a chunk of time, briefly jumping to P3. Soon after, it was Bagnaia and Bastianini who began their time attacks as the Ducati Lenovo Team briefly held a one-two. Martin responded, smashing into the 1:57 bracket before improving further in the Sepang heat. It was a thrilling end to the session, with Bagnaia snatching P1 before Martin made his first mistake of the weekend at Turn 1.

Fourth place was secured by Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), with the #12 ending the day as the top rider from the Noale factory. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez will sleep well tonight, taking P5 and placing as the top Gresini Racing MotoGP™ rider. The #73 was in front of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), with the Frenchman continuing an incredible weekend onboard his M1.

Franco Morbidelli bagged seventh spot, completing a solid day for the Prima Pramac Racing squad. The Italian set a stunning 1:58.310, earning a Q2 spot and ending proceedings ahead of Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), with both Yamaha riders finishing inside the top 10. Meanwhile, Miller was ninth, with the Aussie becoming the only Pierer Mobility to secure a Q2 spot. Miller was in front of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who snatched the final spot inside the top 10 on his final lap.

Further back, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) will face Q1, missing out by 0.076s, while Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was unable to recover after an earlier fall, finishing Friday in 12^th as the returning Andrea Iannone (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) completes a remarkable first day in 21^st spot.

Join us on Saturday as the world’s most exciting sport returns for Free Practice 2 at 10:10 local time (UTC +8) before an intense qualifying gets underway at 10:50 (UTC +8) to set the grid for the Tissot Sprint at 15:00 (UTC +8)!

Manuel Gonzalez led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sepang, in Malaysia. Riding his Gresini Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 3.44-mile road course in 2:05.576, topping the field of 32 riders. 

Filip Salac was second-best with a time of 2:05.909 on his Elf Marc VDS Racing Team Kalex.

Deniz Öncü did a third-fastest 2:05.944 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Gonzalez steals the limelight from Salac at Sepang. The #18 charged to the top of the timesheets on Friday, finishing ahead of Filip Salac and Deniz Öncü. 

Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) was quickest on the opening day of action at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia, setting an incredible 2:05.576. The #18 found time late in Practice 1, ending the session ahead of Filip Salac (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), who chipped away throughout the session – improving on Lap 12. The #12 was a mere 0.333s adrift from Gonzalez’ benchmark as the final spot inside the top three was secured by Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with the Moto2™ rookie completing an impressive opening day at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.

Riders were faced with a drying track in Free Practice, with riders switching to slick tyres in the latter stages of the session. Jake Dixon (CFMOTO RCB Aspar Team) took top honours, setting a 2:06.255 as the field prepared for Practice 1. Dixon would climb to P1 in the early stages of Practice 1 before the #96 suffered a highside at the final corner – rider OK. The British rider maintained top honours until the final 10 minutes, where Gonzalez improved, jumping to P1. The #18 improved further before a crash from Ayumu Sakaki (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) brought out the red flag – leaving two minutes on the clock once the session was restarted.

Dixon dropped down to fourth, spending the remainder of the session in the pit box. The #96 will aim to return to action on Saturday after finishing the Friday ahead of newly crowned Moto2™ World Champion Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI). The Japanese star had a strong day, working hard to end Friday in front of Tony Arbolino, with the Italian completing a successful afternoon for the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team. Meanwhile, Albert Arenas (Gresini Moto2™) secured P7 as Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) rounded out the top eight spots.

Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) completed the top 10, with Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) in 11^th after the #44 opted not to return to track following the red flag. Jorge Navarro (OnlyFans American Racing Team) was 12^th as Zonta Van Den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) and Sync SpeedUp’s Alonso Lopez held onto the final spots inside the top 14.

Moto2™ returns to action on Saturday morning, with Practice 2 kickstarting an important day at 09:25 local time (UTC +8) ahead of qualifying to set the grid at 13:45 (UTC +8)!