American Mikey Lou Sanchez was 9th during European Talent Cup Free Practice 1 Friday morning at MotorLand Aragón, in Spain. Riding his AC RACING TEAM A.S.D. Honda on the 2.89-mile (4.66 km) track, the American recorded a 2:04.217. During FP2, Friday afternoon, Sanchez finished the session fifth with a lap time of 2:02.938.
American Kensei Matsudaira finished the first session 25th on his Snipers Igaxteam Honda with a lap time of 2:07.782, and improved significantly in FP2, finishing P15 with a time of 2:04.334.
Warhorse Ducati/American Racing’s Alessandro Di Mario was quickest in the first practice session for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup class at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Tytler’s Cycle Racing’s Hank Vossberg was second, ahead of Team Roberts’ Kody Kopp, MP13 Racing’s Ella Dreher and Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt.
Bo Bendsneyder topped FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his MV Agusta Reparto Corse F3 800 RR on Pirelli control tires, the Dutch lapped the 2.56-mile (4.07 km) course in 1:42.799 to top the field of 31 riders and earn pole position.
Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:43.100 on his BluCru Evan Bros Yamaha YZF R9, and Jaume Masia earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:43.123 on his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 23th with a 1:44.347 on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.
Bendsneyder bursts back to life at Balaton for first pole since Phillip Island, Manzi falls to P6. The Dutch #11 set himself up well for Saturday’s Race 1, qualifying ahead of Oncu and Masia.
For the first time in the Championship’s history, the FIM Supersport World Championship grid took to the Hungarian Round’s new Balaton Park Circuit for their Tissot Superpole session. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) earned a much-needed pole position, followed in the timesheets by Riders’ Championship second-place rider Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) and Spanish rookie Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura).
Bendsneyder back in business: Lands second career WorldSSP pole
Bo Bendsneyder may have begun to put his recent spell of slower form behind him, as the Dutchman sat P1 for most the session, holding down P1 on the back of his 1’42.799s for second pole of the season, his first since Phillip Island. After spending most of the session outside of the front-row spots, Can Oncu improved late to claim P2 with a time of 1’43.100s. Jaume Masia earned the last of the front-row spots with his 1’43.123s.
Manzi to start second row: The current Championship leader will start Race 1 from P6
Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) claimed P4 at Balaton, earning his career-best WorldSSP result, and his first top 10 since his home round at Phillip Island thanks to his 1’43.344s. Filippo Farioli (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) performed well in the session, landing him P5 for the middle spot on the second row with a time of 1’43.389s. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) tumbled down to P6, the Championship leader set to start from the back of the second row for Saturday’s Race 1.
Garcia snags third row start: The Spanish 19-year-old to start P9 In Race 1
Mattia Casadei kicked off his third round of this season with a strong showing at the circuit’s maiden Superpole, setting a time that saw him sit at third-fastest for much of the session before he and his 1’43.497s time fell to P7. Casadei’s P7 made it three MV Agustas in the top eight. Xavi Cardelus (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) had a busy day at the office as he set a fast time early in the session to sit P3, then crashed and had to return to the box to tend to his bike. He returned to improve his time to 1’43.497s but was out paced by other ascendant riders to finish in P8. Roberto Garcia (GMT94-YAMAHA) continues to impress in just his third WorldSSP round, claiming P9. Garcia’s 1’43.525s time was just 0.002s faster than Leonardo Taccini (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) in P10.
Perolari crash triggers red flag: Uninjured, yet triggers several-minute stoppage
Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) suffered a minor Turn 2 crash, which he recovered from to return to the track. The session had a brief red flag after Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) took a Turn 17 spill, he and his bike ending up sprawled out on the track. The Frenchman was unharmed, and the session resumed shortly after. Xavi Cardelus (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) crashed late in the session on Turn 11 while he sat near the top of the timesheet in P3. Daniel Blin (EAB Racing Team) tumbled in Turn 9. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) crashed at Turn 1 with just over a minute left in the session.
Sam Lowes led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Brit covered the 2.56-mile (4.07 km) track in 1:39.528 to lead the field of 23 riders.
Toprak Razgatlioglu was second-best with a 1:39.974 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.
Andrea Iannone was third with a 1:40.142 on his Team Pata Go Eleven Ducati Panigale V4R.
Danilo Petrucci was 12th with a lap time of 1:40.699 on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff was 14th with a time of 1:40.827 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Friday report: Sam Lowes beats Razgatlioglu on Day 1 at Balaton Park as Bulega finishes eighth. There seem to be surprises in store in Hungary after a Friday that left plenty of questions unanswered…
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the fastest rider on Friday at Balaton Park as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s first day at the new circuit concluded. The British star was one of only two riders to lap in the 1’39s bracket as he beat Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) by more than two tenths in the combined classification on the opening day of the Hungarian Round.
Sam Lowes on top, Bulega eighth: Ducati order flipped on Friday
Sam Lowes led the field on Friday after putting in a 1’39.528s late in FP2 as he gapped Razgatlioglu by more than two tenths on the combined times. Two Independent Ducati riders were in the top three as Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) secured P3 with a 1’40.142s, although ‘The Maniac’ couldn’t break into the 1’39s barrier like Sam Lowes and Razgatlioglu. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was the lead factory Ducati rider as he finished sixth overall, while teammate Nicolo Bulega was eighth overall. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) continued his strong form as he finished in the top ten in FP2, and overall. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) led teammate Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) while Tarran Mackenzie (MGM BONOVO Action) was the last Ducati rider as he finished in 21st place.
Razgatlioglu In P2: fastest in FP1, second in FP2
Razgatlioglu was fastest in FP1 and backed that up with second in FP2, giving him the same position overall. His best time of the day was set in FP1 with a 1’39.743s to claim P2, with his FP2 featuring several run-offs for ‘El Turco’. Teammate Michael van der Mark was down in 18th place with a 1’41.107s, finding six tenths between FP1 and FP2, but lapping more than 1.5 seconds down on his teammate.
Lecuona fourth despite a crash: a strong day for the #7
Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) secured a top-four position in the combined classification for Honda despite a crash at Turn 10, setting a 1’40.565s. The #7 improved his time in the afternoon, as he secured fourth overall. Teammate Xavi Vierge was further down the order in 17th place, 1.4 seconds off the pace. Tito Rabat (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) had a crash at Turn 9 in FP2 as he finished 19th overall, while his teammate, Zaqhwan Zaidi, was last.
Alex Lowes in the Top ten: seventh for the #22, Bassani 15th
As has been the case often throughout 2025, Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the lead Bimota rider on Friday at Balaton Park. The #22 finished in fourth place in FP2 and xth overall with a 1’40.563s, while teammate Axel Bassani was down the field and outside the top ten as ‘El Bocia’ was classified in 15th place in the combined times.
Gardner leads Yamaha charge: P5 for the Australian; Locatelli, Rea outside the top ten
Fresh from inking a new two-year deal with Yamaha, Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished as the fastest rider in blue as he took fifth overall with a 1’40.484s. He was the only Yamaha rider in the top ten, with Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) claiming 11th place and Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 13th. Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was 16th while Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) had the edge over teammate Michael Rinaldi (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team), with the pair 20th and 22nd respectively.
A strong weekend coming for Gerloff? P9 in FP1, 14th overall…
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) had a strong Donington round and that’s continued in Hungary. He finished in the top ten in FP1 as he claimed ninth place, although he couldn’t replicate that in FP2 as he finished 14th overall. His best time came from FP1 with a 1’40.814s.
The top six from Balaton Park’s Friday action, full results here:
1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’39.528s
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.215s
Bo Bendsneyder was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship practice Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his MV Agusta Reparto Corse F3 800 RR on Pirelli control tires, Bendsneyder covered the 2.56-mile (4.07 km) road course in 1:43.190, topping the field of 30 riders.
His teammate, Filippo Farioli was the best of the rest with a 1:43.384.
Jaume Masia was third with a lap time of 1:43.475 on his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 17th with a 1:44.695 on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.
Toprak Razgatlioglu was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR on the 2.56-mile (4.07 km) track, the Turkish rider recorded a 1:39.743 to lead the field of 23 riders.
Sam Lowes was the best of the rest with a 1:40.147 on his ELF Marc VDS Ducati Panigale V4R.
Andrea Iannone was third-fastest with a 1:40.519 on his Team Pata Go Eleven Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 9th with a 1:40.814 on his Kawasaki ZX-1ORR.
Razgatlioglu tops first-ever WorldSBK session at Balaton Park, title rival Bulega P5. Reigning Champion Razgatlioglu claimed P1 in FP1 at Balaton Park with a four-tenths margin over his rivals.
The first-ever MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship session at the Balaton Park Circuit concluded with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) on top of the timesheets. The #1 has shown his prowess at adapting to new circuits quickly in the past with the Hungarian Round no exception, with Razgatlioglu four tenths clear of the field during Free Practice 1.
Razgatlioglu has often been quick in FP1 when WorldSBK visits new circuits, and with a big margin in hand, with that continuing at Balaton Park. ‘El Turco’ was the first and only rider in the 1’39s bracket after setting a 1’39.743s to claim top spot by more than four tenths ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in second place. The #14 set a 1’40.300s to lap 0.555s down on Razgatlioglu, while Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) claimed third place after setting a 1’40.519s.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fourth as the lead factory Ducati rider with a 1’40.551s, finishing 0.017s ahead of teammate Nicolo Bulega in fifth. At the head of the field, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was the last of five Ducati riders in the top six as he finished in P6, setting a 1’40.626s.
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was seventh and the final rider within a second of Razgatlioglu after the Brit, declared fit ahead of this round after suffering ankle injuries at Donington Park, set a 1’40.736s. Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) put Honda inside the top ten as he finished in eighth with Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) hoping to continue his Donington form in Hungary. The Texan took P9, 1.071s down on Razgatlioglu, while Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) rounded out the top ten; Vickers is also looking to continue his fine form from Donington.
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) crashed in the latter stages of the 45-minute session when he lost the front of his Panigale V4 R at Turn 2. It brought out the yellow flags for the final few minutes of FP1 with Montella able to walk away from the crash.
Talking Points: What to expect at Balaton Park Circuit.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has landed at the Balaton Park Circuit for Round 8 of the 2025 season. It’s a milestone weekend for the Championship with Race 1000 set to take place during the Hungarian Round. Still, there were also other topics up for discussion – including silly season, the new circuit and more.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I think it could be a good circuit for me… I like this circuit”
Previewing the weekend, ‘El Turco’ said: “I’m happy because we can finally see this new track. I like this circuit, it has many slow chicanes, and this suits my style, so I’m eager for that. I think it could be a good circuit for me, I tested here, but it was on a stock bike, so it’s hard to understand if it will be good or not. A superbike is a little different. I wasn’t trying to adapt much to the stock bike, it was just a half day, and after we went to the city. I liked what I saw, though, and I immediately felt like I learned some things. I can’t wait for Friday and starting to ride again.”
With Race 1000 approaching, and Razgatlioglu winning both Races 800 and 900, he said about the upcoming milestone: “I feel some pressure this weekend to win Race 1000!”
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “It’s not important which race I win, but to win…”
Looking ahead to Balaton and discussing the title fight, Bulega said: “I feel good. It’s good to comeback riding bikes after just one week. We know this track because we came here almost a month ago to test with our street bikes. Some corners, maybe it’s good for us, but some corners maybe aren’t. Cremona, on paper, wasn’t our track, but we won three races. I don’t want to think too much about this. Four points are nothing. We’re almost on the same points, so I’ll try to do my best as always, and my approach doesn’t change. I’d also like to win Race 999! I’ll try to win. It’s not important which race, but to win, so I’ll try to win the race before and the 1000th.”
Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “I’m sure we’ll understand more in the summer break, or later. I have some options”
Looking ahead to a special weekend, Rea said: “FP1’s going to be super important because Fridays always dictate how the weekend plays out. We’ll try to maximise track time tomorrow and make the correct decisions with setups. Normally, track learning begins on a Thursday with the track walk. I do that with all my crew, and it’s more of a team bonding exercise than really learning. The Yamaha MotoGP team were here testing, so we have some idea of speeds. We’re going to take the setup from Donington, where the bike felt quite good. I’m super excited and very proud to be part of this huge milestone. WorldSBK is my life. It’s given me an incredible life, and I feel like part of this family. It’ll be nice to celebrate that milestone with everyone here.”
On his future, Rea stated: “Let’s wait and see, focus on the weekend, try to do a really good job. I’m sure we’ll understand more in the summer break, or later. I have some options, let’s say, but it’s taking the right one and for me to understand what’s best for me.”
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “The team we are in talks with are also talking to other riders”
Petrucci, who was also in MotoGP’s 1000th Grand Prix, said: “I had fun on the track, it’s a heavy braking track, lots of heavy braking, lots of hairpins, lots of chicanes. It feels like a mix of Cremona and Most; fortunately, I’m fast at both. I think it’s going to be fun because there are lots of opportunities to overtake with the long braking areas and hairpins. I think we’re going to see some good fights. We have some information about the speed on the corners and the straights, so we have a base of solutions to work with. We will try different sprockets as no one knows which gear ratio they will use. I’m really proud to be participating in the WorldSBK Race 1000. I’m really happy, especially because the wildcard I did in MotoGP was Grand Prix 1000. I hope we get a sunny day, but I’m so proud to be a part of these Championships. I would like to know my future; unfortunately, it’s not in my hands. I want to try to stand on the podium as much as I can, but the only thing I can do is go faster. It doesn’t make me nervous, but with all the rumours in the media, I like to be able to just focus on the racing.”
Discussing media reports that his manager would be at Balaton, Petrucci said: “We are in talks, but the team we are in talks with is also talking to other riders. I can’t just press a button and decide where I want to go.”
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team): “This is the sort of thing that you want to be a part of when you’re a kid”
Explaining his Donington crash and WorldSBK’s 1000th race, Alex Lowes said:“In the crash in the first race, I got my foot caught in a weird way. I had quite a lot of swelling, and because it was on my left side, it made shifting difficult. We know with our bike, it feels better if we can ride our own lines as opposed to riding with the group. It was a weird crash because on Craner Curves, it’s typically when you go over the rise, but I lost the front after the rise. The layout on paper should be pretty good for us. There’s no reason we can’t carry on the good form we’ve had recently. Last round I got my first front row of the season, the target this weekend is to be in those front positions and have some fun! It would be special to win Race 1000 with bimota, it’s fantastic to be a part of history. This is the sort of thing that you want to be a part of when you’re a kid.”
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “I see many areas of the track that have a change of direction and lots of chicanes, I’m quite positive that with our bike we can do well”
Previewing Balaton and speaking about who his teammate could be in 2026, Locatelli stated: “I’m so excited because I was watching some videos from the other riders who were here on the road bike, and it looks like an interesting track. I see many areas of the track that have a change of direction and lots of chicanes. I’m quite positive that with our bike, we can do well. It’s a new challenge, a new track, new tyres, there are many things that are different, but I think we can hope for a podium as long as we can come into the races more prepared than the others.”
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “We need to discover the secret… it’s always exciting to race at a new track”
Discussing his hopes in Hungary, Bautista said: “It’s always exciting to race at a new track. We did a test with a street bike a few weeks ago to get a first look at the track. It’s a very different track from the others. After the resurfacing, we will have to see how it feels. I’m arriving with a lot of confidence, especially after the last round, we worked really well during the weekends, but I have no expectations for my results. I’m focusing from Friday on to try to learn the secret of the track. I think it’s a very particular track, it has lots of slow points. We need to discover the secret, set a good reference and try to enjoy the track. I don’t think there are tracks that favour one thing over another, I think it comes down more to how you manage the tyres and how you set your reference.”
Tarran Mackenzie (MGM BONOVO Action): “Maybe I’ve not been on a package or a bike that’s been capable of top fives, so this really excites me”
On his new WorldSBK challenge, Mackenzie said: “I’m so excited to be back after missing one round in. I got a phone call from Michael Galinski, and the situation had changed with him going forward. The opportunity arose for me and it’s something I’m really excited about. The plan is to carry on for the rest of the season. I’m fully in the deep end. It’s a big challenge ahead but something I’m excited for. With no disrespect to anyone, maybe I’ve not been on a package or a bike that’s been capable of top fives, so this really excites me. The first steps will be to ride again with a smile on my face. I truly believe a happy rider is a fast rider.”
Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC): “I’m feeling 100% after the injury… Balaton can be a good chance for us”
Explaining his thoughts ahead of the Hungarian Round as well as his future, Vierge said: “I’m really looking forward to it, especially because I’m feeling 100% after the injury. We had the chance to do some laps here a few weeks ago on the street bike. It’s like Cremona and Most. It can be a good chance for us. When a new track comes onto the calendar, there’s more of a chance for everyone, so we need to take that advantage. From my side, it’s a little bit as always. My priority when I joined this Championship was to fight for the title with Honda, because I know my potential and theirs. It’s taking a little bit more time than what everyone expected. I know I have different options but it’s too early to decide.”
22 Grands Prix, five continents and the return of Brazil: the 2026 calendar has landed.
The 2026 MotoGP calendar is here! With 22 Grands Prix across five continents, the season runs from February to November to create a perfectly-paced year for the millions of fans watching around the world – and the riders battling it out on track.
Brazil is back as MotoGP returns to a key market, some established favourites move dates, summer break is the perfect pitstop pause – take a look at 2026!
Now, stay tuned for the next dates to be confirmed: pre-season and the much-anticipated season launch. Bangkok was just the beginning, with a new city set to host our first spectacular of the 2026 season. More history is just around the apex – we call it the most exciting sport on Earth for a reason.
Pete Martins, beloved husband, brother, son, and friend, passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 59.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julie Martins. Pete married his high school sweetheart and first love, Julie, on May 15, 2010, in Maui, Hawaii. He was born on July 31, 1965, and grew up in the Katy area before settling in Pattison.
Pete Martins in action on his Suzuki GSX-R1000. Besides sprint racing, he raced on the GMan Racing and Arclight Racing endurance teams.
Pete was a passionate and skilled motorcycle road racer for more than 30 years. He had a deep love for sports that involved speed and adrenaline, including skydiving and scuba diving. He was also a proud volunteer firefighter with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department for over a decade, dedicating himself to the safety and service of others.
He is also survived by his sister, Roxanne Wicks; his brother, Andrew Wicks; his stepbrother, Scot Johnson; his mother, Kaayla Fox; and his father, Bob Martins. He leaves behind his niece, Brenna Hine; his nephews, Brock Johnson, Kyle Jasek, and Troy Jasek; and his sister-in-law, Melanie Jasek. His memory will be cherished by countless friends and teammates who were inspired by his courage, loyalty, and generous heart.
Pete was preceded in death by his stepmother, Nelda Martins.
Pete Martins
He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his unwavering dedication to those he loved, and the joy he brought into the lives of so many. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
One year ago, at MotorLand Aragón, Hungarian-American talent Rossi Attila Moor made his debut in the FIM JuniorGP series, racing for Team MMR under the banner of Révész Racing NGRT.
At just 16 years old, Rossi started from 6th position and finished 8th, proving he belongs in the highly competitive FIM JuniorGP Moto2 category.
Following the Magny-Cours round, the young riders on the road to MotoGP return this weekend to the iconic Aragón circuit.
Last Saturday, Rossi participated in a track day at Aragón, where he and his team fine-tuned the suspension setup and practiced racing lines to prepare for the upcoming challenge.
Rossi Moor Reflects
“Last year I was a complete rookie—it was a new bike, a new category, and I raced with almost no pressure. This time it’s going to be tougher, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got to finish among the best.”
Mikey Lou Sanchez this morning during the FP1 at MotorLand Aragón. Photo by Danny Vela / Life Be Lucky Photography.
American Mikey Lou Sanchez was 9th during European Talent Cup Free Practice 1 Friday morning at MotorLand Aragón, in Spain. Riding his AC RACING TEAM A.S.D. Honda on the 2.89-mile (4.66 km) track, the American recorded a 2:04.217. During FP2, Friday afternoon, Sanchez finished the session fifth with a lap time of 2:02.938.
American Kensei Matsudaira finished the first session 25th on his Snipers Igaxteam Honda with a lap time of 2:07.782, and improved significantly in FP2, finishing P15 with a time of 2:04.334.
Alessandro Di Mario (27). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Warhorse Ducati/American Racing’s Alessandro Di Mario was quickest in the first practice session for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup class at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Tytler’s Cycle Racing’s Hank Vossberg was second, ahead of Team Roberts’ Kody Kopp, MP13 Racing’s Ella Dreher and Bettencourt Racing’s Nathan Bettencourt.
Bo Bendsneyder (11) on his MV Agusta Reparto Corse earned pole position at Balaton. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bo Bendsneyder topped FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his MV Agusta Reparto Corse F3 800 RR on Pirelli control tires, the Dutch lapped the 2.56-mile (4.07 km) course in 1:42.799 to top the field of 31 riders and earn pole position.
Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:43.100 on his BluCru Evan Bros Yamaha YZF R9, and Jaume Masia earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:43.123 on his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 23th with a 1:44.347 on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.
Bendsneyder bursts back to life at Balaton for first pole since Phillip Island, Manzi falls to P6. The Dutch #11 set himself up well for Saturday’s Race 1, qualifying ahead of Oncu and Masia.
For the first time in the Championship’s history, the FIM Supersport World Championship grid took to the Hungarian Round’s new Balaton Park Circuit for their Tissot Superpole session. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) earned a much-needed pole position, followed in the timesheets by Riders’ Championship second-place rider Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) and Spanish rookie Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura).
Bendsneyder back in business: Lands second career WorldSSP pole
Bo Bendsneyder may have begun to put his recent spell of slower form behind him, as the Dutchman sat P1 for most the session, holding down P1 on the back of his 1’42.799s for second pole of the season, his first since Phillip Island. After spending most of the session outside of the front-row spots, Can Oncu improved late to claim P2 with a time of 1’43.100s. Jaume Masia earned the last of the front-row spots with his 1’43.123s.
Manzi to start second row: The current Championship leader will start Race 1 from P6
Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) claimed P4 at Balaton, earning his career-best WorldSSP result, and his first top 10 since his home round at Phillip Island thanks to his 1’43.344s. Filippo Farioli (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) performed well in the session, landing him P5 for the middle spot on the second row with a time of 1’43.389s. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) tumbled down to P6, the Championship leader set to start from the back of the second row for Saturday’s Race 1.
Garcia snags third row start: The Spanish 19-year-old to start P9 In Race 1
Mattia Casadei kicked off his third round of this season with a strong showing at the circuit’s maiden Superpole, setting a time that saw him sit at third-fastest for much of the session before he and his 1’43.497s time fell to P7. Casadei’s P7 made it three MV Agustas in the top eight. Xavi Cardelus (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) had a busy day at the office as he set a fast time early in the session to sit P3, then crashed and had to return to the box to tend to his bike. He returned to improve his time to 1’43.497s but was out paced by other ascendant riders to finish in P8. Roberto Garcia (GMT94-YAMAHA) continues to impress in just his third WorldSSP round, claiming P9. Garcia’s 1’43.525s time was just 0.002s faster than Leonardo Taccini (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) in P10.
Perolari crash triggers red flag: Uninjured, yet triggers several-minute stoppage
Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) suffered a minor Turn 2 crash, which he recovered from to return to the track. The session had a brief red flag after Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) took a Turn 17 spill, he and his bike ending up sprawled out on the track. The Frenchman was unharmed, and the session resumed shortly after. Xavi Cardelus (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) crashed late in the session on Turn 11 while he sat near the top of the timesheet in P3. Daniel Blin (EAB Racing Team) tumbled in Turn 9. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) crashed at Turn 1 with just over a minute left in the session.
Sam Lowes was fastest this afternoon at Balaton. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sam Lowes led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Brit covered the 2.56-mile (4.07 km) track in 1:39.528 to lead the field of 23 riders.
Toprak Razgatlioglu was second-best with a 1:39.974 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.
Andrea Iannone was third with a 1:40.142 on his Team Pata Go Eleven Ducati Panigale V4R.
Danilo Petrucci was 12th with a lap time of 1:40.699 on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff was 14th with a time of 1:40.827 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Friday report: Sam Lowes beats Razgatlioglu on Day 1 at Balaton Park as Bulega finishes eighth. There seem to be surprises in store in Hungary after a Friday that left plenty of questions unanswered…
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the fastest rider on Friday at Balaton Park as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s first day at the new circuit concluded. The British star was one of only two riders to lap in the 1’39s bracket as he beat Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) by more than two tenths in the combined classification on the opening day of the Hungarian Round.
Sam Lowes on top, Bulega eighth: Ducati order flipped on Friday
Sam Lowes led the field on Friday after putting in a 1’39.528s late in FP2 as he gapped Razgatlioglu by more than two tenths on the combined times. Two Independent Ducati riders were in the top three as Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) secured P3 with a 1’40.142s, although ‘The Maniac’ couldn’t break into the 1’39s barrier like Sam Lowes and Razgatlioglu. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was the lead factory Ducati rider as he finished sixth overall, while teammate Nicolo Bulega was eighth overall. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) continued his strong form as he finished in the top ten in FP2, and overall. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) led teammate Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) while Tarran Mackenzie (MGM BONOVO Action) was the last Ducati rider as he finished in 21st place.
Razgatlioglu In P2: fastest in FP1, second in FP2
Razgatlioglu was fastest in FP1 and backed that up with second in FP2, giving him the same position overall. His best time of the day was set in FP1 with a 1’39.743s to claim P2, with his FP2 featuring several run-offs for ‘El Turco’. Teammate Michael van der Mark was down in 18th place with a 1’41.107s, finding six tenths between FP1 and FP2, but lapping more than 1.5 seconds down on his teammate.
Lecuona fourth despite a crash: a strong day for the #7
Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) secured a top-four position in the combined classification for Honda despite a crash at Turn 10, setting a 1’40.565s. The #7 improved his time in the afternoon, as he secured fourth overall. Teammate Xavi Vierge was further down the order in 17th place, 1.4 seconds off the pace. Tito Rabat (PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team) had a crash at Turn 9 in FP2 as he finished 19th overall, while his teammate, Zaqhwan Zaidi, was last.
Alex Lowes in the Top ten: seventh for the #22, Bassani 15th
As has been the case often throughout 2025, Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the lead Bimota rider on Friday at Balaton Park. The #22 finished in fourth place in FP2 and xth overall with a 1’40.563s, while teammate Axel Bassani was down the field and outside the top ten as ‘El Bocia’ was classified in 15th place in the combined times.
Gardner leads Yamaha charge: P5 for the Australian; Locatelli, Rea outside the top ten
Fresh from inking a new two-year deal with Yamaha, Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished as the fastest rider in blue as he took fifth overall with a 1’40.484s. He was the only Yamaha rider in the top ten, with Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) claiming 11th place and Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 13th. Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was 16th while Bahattin Sofuoglu (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) had the edge over teammate Michael Rinaldi (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team), with the pair 20th and 22nd respectively.
A strong weekend coming for Gerloff? P9 in FP1, 14th overall…
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) had a strong Donington round and that’s continued in Hungary. He finished in the top ten in FP1 as he claimed ninth place, although he couldn’t replicate that in FP2 as he finished 14th overall. His best time came from FP1 with a 1’40.814s.
The top six from Balaton Park’s Friday action, full results here:
1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’39.528s
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.215s
Bo Bendsneyder during the last round at Misano. Photo courtesy MV Agusta Team.
Bo Bendsneyder was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship practice Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his MV Agusta Reparto Corse F3 800 RR on Pirelli control tires, Bendsneyder covered the 2.56-mile (4.07 km) road course in 1:43.190, topping the field of 30 riders.
His teammate, Filippo Farioli was the best of the rest with a 1:43.384.
Jaume Masia was third with a lap time of 1:43.475 on his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 17th with a 1:44.695 on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.
Toprak Razgatlioglu was fastest this morning at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy Dorna,
Toprak Razgatlioglu was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR on the 2.56-mile (4.07 km) track, the Turkish rider recorded a 1:39.743 to lead the field of 23 riders.
Sam Lowes was the best of the rest with a 1:40.147 on his ELF Marc VDS Ducati Panigale V4R.
Andrea Iannone was third-fastest with a 1:40.519 on his Team Pata Go Eleven Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 9th with a 1:40.814 on his Kawasaki ZX-1ORR.
Razgatlioglu tops first-ever WorldSBK session at Balaton Park, title rival Bulega P5. Reigning Champion Razgatlioglu claimed P1 in FP1 at Balaton Park with a four-tenths margin over his rivals.
The first-ever MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship session at the Balaton Park Circuit concluded with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) on top of the timesheets. The #1 has shown his prowess at adapting to new circuits quickly in the past with the Hungarian Round no exception, with Razgatlioglu four tenths clear of the field during Free Practice 1.
Razgatlioglu has often been quick in FP1 when WorldSBK visits new circuits, and with a big margin in hand, with that continuing at Balaton Park. ‘El Turco’ was the first and only rider in the 1’39s bracket after setting a 1’39.743s to claim top spot by more than four tenths ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in second place. The #14 set a 1’40.300s to lap 0.555s down on Razgatlioglu, while Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) claimed third place after setting a 1’40.519s.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fourth as the lead factory Ducati rider with a 1’40.551s, finishing 0.017s ahead of teammate Nicolo Bulega in fifth. At the head of the field, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was the last of five Ducati riders in the top six as he finished in P6, setting a 1’40.626s.
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was seventh and the final rider within a second of Razgatlioglu after the Brit, declared fit ahead of this round after suffering ankle injuries at Donington Park, set a 1’40.736s. Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) put Honda inside the top ten as he finished in eighth with Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) hoping to continue his Donington form in Hungary. The Texan took P9, 1.071s down on Razgatlioglu, while Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) rounded out the top ten; Vickers is also looking to continue his fine form from Donington.
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) crashed in the latter stages of the 45-minute session when he lost the front of his Panigale V4 R at Turn 2. It brought out the yellow flags for the final few minutes of FP1 with Montella able to walk away from the crash.
Talking Points: What to expect at Balaton Park Circuit.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has landed at the Balaton Park Circuit for Round 8 of the 2025 season. It’s a milestone weekend for the Championship with Race 1000 set to take place during the Hungarian Round. Still, there were also other topics up for discussion – including silly season, the new circuit and more.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I think it could be a good circuit for me… I like this circuit”
Previewing the weekend, ‘El Turco’ said: “I’m happy because we can finally see this new track. I like this circuit, it has many slow chicanes, and this suits my style, so I’m eager for that. I think it could be a good circuit for me, I tested here, but it was on a stock bike, so it’s hard to understand if it will be good or not. A superbike is a little different. I wasn’t trying to adapt much to the stock bike, it was just a half day, and after we went to the city. I liked what I saw, though, and I immediately felt like I learned some things. I can’t wait for Friday and starting to ride again.”
With Race 1000 approaching, and Razgatlioglu winning both Races 800 and 900, he said about the upcoming milestone: “I feel some pressure this weekend to win Race 1000!”
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “It’s not important which race I win, but to win…”
Looking ahead to Balaton and discussing the title fight, Bulega said: “I feel good. It’s good to comeback riding bikes after just one week. We know this track because we came here almost a month ago to test with our street bikes. Some corners, maybe it’s good for us, but some corners maybe aren’t. Cremona, on paper, wasn’t our track, but we won three races. I don’t want to think too much about this. Four points are nothing. We’re almost on the same points, so I’ll try to do my best as always, and my approach doesn’t change. I’d also like to win Race 999! I’ll try to win. It’s not important which race, but to win, so I’ll try to win the race before and the 1000th.”
Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “I’m sure we’ll understand more in the summer break, or later. I have some options”
Looking ahead to a special weekend, Rea said: “FP1’s going to be super important because Fridays always dictate how the weekend plays out. We’ll try to maximise track time tomorrow and make the correct decisions with setups. Normally, track learning begins on a Thursday with the track walk. I do that with all my crew, and it’s more of a team bonding exercise than really learning. The Yamaha MotoGP team were here testing, so we have some idea of speeds. We’re going to take the setup from Donington, where the bike felt quite good. I’m super excited and very proud to be part of this huge milestone. WorldSBK is my life. It’s given me an incredible life, and I feel like part of this family. It’ll be nice to celebrate that milestone with everyone here.”
On his future, Rea stated: “Let’s wait and see, focus on the weekend, try to do a really good job. I’m sure we’ll understand more in the summer break, or later. I have some options, let’s say, but it’s taking the right one and for me to understand what’s best for me.”
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “The team we are in talks with are also talking to other riders”
Petrucci, who was also in MotoGP’s 1000th Grand Prix, said: “I had fun on the track, it’s a heavy braking track, lots of heavy braking, lots of hairpins, lots of chicanes. It feels like a mix of Cremona and Most; fortunately, I’m fast at both. I think it’s going to be fun because there are lots of opportunities to overtake with the long braking areas and hairpins. I think we’re going to see some good fights. We have some information about the speed on the corners and the straights, so we have a base of solutions to work with. We will try different sprockets as no one knows which gear ratio they will use. I’m really proud to be participating in the WorldSBK Race 1000. I’m really happy, especially because the wildcard I did in MotoGP was Grand Prix 1000. I hope we get a sunny day, but I’m so proud to be a part of these Championships. I would like to know my future; unfortunately, it’s not in my hands. I want to try to stand on the podium as much as I can, but the only thing I can do is go faster. It doesn’t make me nervous, but with all the rumours in the media, I like to be able to just focus on the racing.”
Discussing media reports that his manager would be at Balaton, Petrucci said: “We are in talks, but the team we are in talks with is also talking to other riders. I can’t just press a button and decide where I want to go.”
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team): “This is the sort of thing that you want to be a part of when you’re a kid”
Explaining his Donington crash and WorldSBK’s 1000th race, Alex Lowes said:“In the crash in the first race, I got my foot caught in a weird way. I had quite a lot of swelling, and because it was on my left side, it made shifting difficult. We know with our bike, it feels better if we can ride our own lines as opposed to riding with the group. It was a weird crash because on Craner Curves, it’s typically when you go over the rise, but I lost the front after the rise. The layout on paper should be pretty good for us. There’s no reason we can’t carry on the good form we’ve had recently. Last round I got my first front row of the season, the target this weekend is to be in those front positions and have some fun! It would be special to win Race 1000 with bimota, it’s fantastic to be a part of history. This is the sort of thing that you want to be a part of when you’re a kid.”
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “I see many areas of the track that have a change of direction and lots of chicanes, I’m quite positive that with our bike we can do well”
Previewing Balaton and speaking about who his teammate could be in 2026, Locatelli stated: “I’m so excited because I was watching some videos from the other riders who were here on the road bike, and it looks like an interesting track. I see many areas of the track that have a change of direction and lots of chicanes. I’m quite positive that with our bike, we can do well. It’s a new challenge, a new track, new tyres, there are many things that are different, but I think we can hope for a podium as long as we can come into the races more prepared than the others.”
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “We need to discover the secret… it’s always exciting to race at a new track”
Discussing his hopes in Hungary, Bautista said: “It’s always exciting to race at a new track. We did a test with a street bike a few weeks ago to get a first look at the track. It’s a very different track from the others. After the resurfacing, we will have to see how it feels. I’m arriving with a lot of confidence, especially after the last round, we worked really well during the weekends, but I have no expectations for my results. I’m focusing from Friday on to try to learn the secret of the track. I think it’s a very particular track, it has lots of slow points. We need to discover the secret, set a good reference and try to enjoy the track. I don’t think there are tracks that favour one thing over another, I think it comes down more to how you manage the tyres and how you set your reference.”
Tarran Mackenzie (MGM BONOVO Action): “Maybe I’ve not been on a package or a bike that’s been capable of top fives, so this really excites me”
On his new WorldSBK challenge, Mackenzie said: “I’m so excited to be back after missing one round in. I got a phone call from Michael Galinski, and the situation had changed with him going forward. The opportunity arose for me and it’s something I’m really excited about. The plan is to carry on for the rest of the season. I’m fully in the deep end. It’s a big challenge ahead but something I’m excited for. With no disrespect to anyone, maybe I’ve not been on a package or a bike that’s been capable of top fives, so this really excites me. The first steps will be to ride again with a smile on my face. I truly believe a happy rider is a fast rider.”
Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC): “I’m feeling 100% after the injury… Balaton can be a good chance for us”
Explaining his thoughts ahead of the Hungarian Round as well as his future, Vierge said: “I’m really looking forward to it, especially because I’m feeling 100% after the injury. We had the chance to do some laps here a few weeks ago on the street bike. It’s like Cremona and Most. It can be a good chance for us. When a new track comes onto the calendar, there’s more of a chance for everyone, so we need to take that advantage. From my side, it’s a little bit as always. My priority when I joined this Championship was to fight for the title with Honda, because I know my potential and theirs. It’s taking a little bit more time than what everyone expected. I know I have different options but it’s too early to decide.”
Riders charge into the first corner during a MotoGP race. Photo courtesy Dorna.
22 Grands Prix, five continents and the return of Brazil: the 2026 calendar has landed.
The 2026 MotoGP calendar is here! With 22 Grands Prix across five continents, the season runs from February to November to create a perfectly-paced year for the millions of fans watching around the world – and the riders battling it out on track.
Brazil is back as MotoGP returns to a key market, some established favourites move dates, summer break is the perfect pitstop pause – take a look at 2026!
Now, stay tuned for the next dates to be confirmed: pre-season and the much-anticipated season launch. Bangkok was just the beginning, with a new city set to host our first spectacular of the 2026 season. More history is just around the apex – we call it the most exciting sport on Earth for a reason.
Racer Pete Martins was a volunteer fireman. He died July 21, 2025 after battling cancer for five years.
Pete Martins, beloved husband, brother, son, and friend, passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 59.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julie Martins. Pete married his high school sweetheart and first love, Julie, on May 15, 2010, in Maui, Hawaii. He was born on July 31, 1965, and grew up in the Katy area before settling in Pattison.
Pete Martins in action on his Suzuki GSX-R1000. Besides sprint racing, he raced on the GMan Racing and Arclight Racing endurance teams.
Pete was a passionate and skilled motorcycle road racer for more than 30 years. He had a deep love for sports that involved speed and adrenaline, including skydiving and scuba diving. He was also a proud volunteer firefighter with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department for over a decade, dedicating himself to the safety and service of others.
He is also survived by his sister, Roxanne Wicks; his brother, Andrew Wicks; his stepbrother, Scot Johnson; his mother, Kaayla Fox; and his father, Bob Martins. He leaves behind his niece, Brenna Hine; his nephews, Brock Johnson, Kyle Jasek, and Troy Jasek; and his sister-in-law, Melanie Jasek. His memory will be cherished by countless friends and teammates who were inspired by his courage, loyalty, and generous heart.
Pete was preceded in death by his stepmother, Nelda Martins.
Pete Martins
He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his unwavering dedication to those he loved, and the joy he brought into the lives of so many. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
One year ago, at MotorLand Aragón, Hungarian-American talent Rossi Attila Moor made his debut in the FIM JuniorGP series, racing for Team MMR under the banner of Révész Racing NGRT.
At just 16 years old, Rossi started from 6th position and finished 8th, proving he belongs in the highly competitive FIM JuniorGP Moto2 category.
Following the Magny-Cours round, the young riders on the road to MotoGP return this weekend to the iconic Aragón circuit.
Last Saturday, Rossi participated in a track day at Aragón, where he and his team fine-tuned the suspension setup and practiced racing lines to prepare for the upcoming challenge.
Rossi Moor Reflects
“Last year I was a complete rookie—it was a new bike, a new category, and I raced with almost no pressure. This time it’s going to be tougher, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got to finish among the best.”
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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
