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Moto2 : Moreira Takes Pole Position At Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto2 : Moreira Takes Pole Position At Mugello

Diogo Moreira was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying Saturday at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. The Brazilian topped qualifying session with a new lap record time. Riding his Pirelli-shod Italtrans Racing Team Kalex, the poleman navigated the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) course in 1:49.745, breaking Joe Roberts’ 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:49.877. 

Spanish veteran Aron Canet was second-best with a 1:49.831 on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex.

Albert Arenas claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:49.857 on his Italjet Gresini Moto2 Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday’s qualifying session 18th with a best time of 1:50.866 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

QualifyingResults moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Moreira collects second consecutive Moto2 pole. The Brazilian will sit ahead of Canet on the front row at Mugello. 

For the second consecutive Grand Prix, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) will launch the Moto2 race from pole position after the Brazilian beat Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) on Saturday afternoon thanks to a 1:49.745. Meanwhile, Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) starts on the front row for the first time this season in P3.

In a dramatic Q2 that saw Practice pacesetter Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) crash in the closing stages amongst a busy and slow-moving Moto2 pack, Moreira’s Kalex-Triumph machine was clipped by the stricken Boscoscuro bike which put an end to his session. However, it didn’t cost the #10 pole, as Canet’s cancelled lap gets reinstated after the session to see Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) pushed back to P4.

 

Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) will begin the Grand Prix from P5, with Q1 graduate and Aragon GP winner Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completing Row 2 in Italy.

Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) is the lead home hero in P7, with Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) set to start from eighth – but the Belgian suffered a big highside with a few minutes remaining. Baltus headed to the medical centre for a check-up after the session, hopefully he’s all OK for Sunday’s outing.

Tune into what looks set to be a brilliant Moto2 battle from Mugello at 12:15!

Moto2 Italian GP Q2 results!

Moto3 : Carpe Claims Pole Position At Autodromo del Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto3 : Carpe Claims Pole Position At Autodromo del Mugello

Alvaro Carpe earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo on Pirelli control tires, Carpe topped the 26-rider field with a lap time of 1:54.733. 

His teammate, Jose Antonio Rueda was the best of the rest with a 1:54.970, and Scott Ogden claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:55.032 on his CIP Green Power KTM.

 

QualifyingResults moto3

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna:

Carpe takes maiden pole in style at Mugello. A charge to glory including a round-the-outside move on Piqueras puts Carpe on top late on in Italy. 

He left it late but he did it in style: Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) takes his first Moto3™ pole at Mugello, and the #83 rookie even charged round the outside of a fellow frontrunner on his rush for glory. Carpe’s 1:54.733 puts him a couple of tenths ahead of teammate and Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda, with Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) taking third to continue his impressive form this weekend at Mugello.

The first battle commenced in Q1 with differing strategies; Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Aspar Team) and Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) stayed in the pits for the opening five minutes. There seemed to be no option but the pits for 2021 winner Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Aspar Team), who was stuck in the box until the second half of the session. Quiles was epic on his first flying lap, carving through the riders ahead to go top with David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) P2. Quiles crashed on the exit of Turn 5, spelling the end of his session whilst Pini was set to progress too but a lap cancellation for exceeding track limits at Turn 14 meant he had to go again. Hampered by Foggia on his penultimate lap, it was all or nothing for the rider from Scarperia but it wasn’t to be: he’ll go from 21st. Joining Quiles and Muñoz into Q2, Vicente Perez (GRYD MLav Racing Team) and a late-charging Foggia.

 

Whilst work continued on Quiles’ #28 machine, Q2 was already up and running as riders searched for a banker lap time. After the opening half was done, it was Carpe who had set the best lap time whilst Quiles lost his first lap due to exceeding track limits and was yet to set a time going into the final five minutes.

The track came alive with red sectors, Championship leader Rueda had gone top ahead of Ogden but leaving it late, rookie sensation Carpe stole the show with pole position ahead of his teammate, his first pole in the class after charging through all in his way. Odgen, having been fastest in FP2’s morning session, was third for a first front row since Silverstone in 2023. Angel Piqueras (FRINSA MT Helmets – MSI) – the victim of Carpe’s round-the-outside charge – secured fourth, whilst Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Ajo) equalled his best Moto3 qualifying with fifth.

Completing the second row of the grid will be Aragon winner David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), with Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Ajo) denied his best qualifying result of the season after getting a back of the grid penalty for being slow on the line after posting his personal best.

Quiles’ eventful qualifying day therefore results in P7 ahead of Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) and David Almansa (Leopard Racing) on Row 3. Big names to watch out for further down field include Almansa’s teammate Adrian Fernandez in P13, 2021 winner Foggia in P15 and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) in 16th after mechanical issues kept the Japanese rider out of the final moments.

Check out full Moto3 qualifying results from Mugello HERE!

MotoGP : Marquez On pole Position In Italy

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP : Marquez On pole Position In Italy

Marc Marquez claimed pole position during MotoGP qualifying Saturday at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on the dry 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track, Marquez turned a 1:44.169. Not only was that good enough to top the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Jorge Martin’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:44.504.

His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia was the best of the rest with a 1:44.228 and Alex Marquez claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:44.252 on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

Row-two qualifiers included Yamaha Monster Energy’s Fabio Quartararo (1:44.411),  Maverick Viñales on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 (1:44.514) and Franco Morbidelli on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team (1:44.568).

QualifyingResults motogp

 

More from a press release issued by: 

100 not out: Marc Marquez pips Bagnaia to Mugello pole.0.059s splits the factory Ducati duo on Saturday morning, while Alex Marquez also gets within a tenth of the #93 in a historic Q2 battle. 

100 not out. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) has become the first rider ever to reach triple figures in terms of career pole positions after the title race leader narrowly beat teammate Francesco Bagnaia to a Saturday morning P1 at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy. Marquez’s all-time lap record, a 1:44.169, was just 0.059s quicker than Bagnaia’s best effort, as Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) claims a front row start having got within a tenth of pole in a memorable Mugello Q2.

 

 

Q1: Aldeguer and Fernandez grab Q2 spots

The initial benchmark time in Q1 was set by Trackhouse MotoGP’s Raul Fernandez, a 1:45.214, and the Spaniard went marginally quicker again on his second flyer to lead Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) by 0.256s.

On the second runs though, Fernandez’s pace was beaten as Aldeguer dived into the 1:44s with a 1:44.894, a lap good enough to see the rookie sit 0.264s ahead of the Trackhouse star. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) improved his time as well to go 0.027s behind Fernandez, before Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) pounced up to P2 to demote Fernandez to P3 by 0.007s. Could anyone respond on their final attempts? Fernandez was giving it a good go and sure enough, by 0.014s, the #25 knocked the Australian out of the top two. It doesn’t get a lot closer than that. Late disappointment for Prima Pramac and Miller, delight for Trackhouse and Fernandez.

 

Q2: A fascinating fight for pole

Then, after a breather, MotoGP Q2 lit up the Tuscan hills. And Marc Marquez’s first lap was a 1:44.500 – a new all-time lap record. Not a bad start to qualifying for the #93, as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) went a couple of tenths adrift to sit in an early P2. But that P2 then belonged to Bagnaia as the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Italian GP victor went just 0.048s away from his teammate’s time, with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) slotted into P3.

That shoved Quartararo to a provisional P4, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was an early P5, and Maverick Viñales’ (Red Bull KTM Tech3) first real showing in Q2 saw Top Gun set a 1:44.915 to go P6 as we then strapped in for the second set of time attacks at Mugello.

And as usual, the timing screens were lighting up with plenty of orange and red. Quartararo’s third sector was unbelievable, El Diablo was over three tenths faster than Marc Marquez’s time and although he didn’t hold that advantage to the line, the Yamaha star snatched provisional pole away from Ducati.

Bagnaia then had his say. A beautiful 1:44.228 saw the home hero climb to P1, Alex Marquez came close and went P2 before Marc Marquez regained top spot by 0.059s. This was some serious pace. Could anyone find time with just over a minute to go?

Viñales wasn’t far away three-quarters of the way around his latest attempt, but it wasn’t enough to see the Tech3 rider leap onto the front row. It was P5 for the Practice pacesetter, and that was the final improvement of the session which meant Marc Marquez clinched that 100th career pole position. Some achievement. Bagnaia and Alex Marquez make up a front row split by 0.083s, boy is that set up nicely for the Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix.

 

How your front four rows shape up for the Italian GP

Battling through the pain, Quartararo spearheads Row 2 ahead of Viñales and Morbidelli, as Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) earns a P7 grid slot on home turf. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) launched from P8, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) aims for Sprint points from P9 as Row 4 is made up of Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), Fernandez and Aldeguer.

 

NEXT: Mugello’s Tissot Sprint

The title race leader, the home hero and the chief chaser. Who wins? Who knows. Make sure you tune into the Sprint at 15:00!

MotoGP qualifying results!

Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Owen Williams

Mathilde Gasnier
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Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Owen Williams

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 29th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

  • FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
  • MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 14 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
  • A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
  • WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships; ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
  • AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
  • USGPRU National Championships;
  • Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2025 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America, based on the 2024 season. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

 

Owen Williams on the MotoAmerica Supersport grid at Barber with a crew member. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Owen Williams on the MotoAmerica Supersport grid at Barber with crew member Steve Main. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

Owen Williams: 

Age: 17.

Current home: Lake Forest, California.

Current height/weight: 5’10”/155 pounds.

Current school grade level: 12th grade.

Began riding at age: 7 years.

First road race: 2014, Rosamond, California, M1GP, 50cc class, last place.

Current racebike: Suzuki GSX-R750.

Current tuner/mechanic: Chad Williams (father).

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport, CVMA.

Top sponsors: 7.62 Racing, Altus Motorsports, Bison, HJC, JP43 Training, Bickle Racing, Jack C, 64 Degrees Racing, RK Chain, Woodcraft, Vortex, Apex Assassins, Barrett Racing.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2024 season, placed 19th in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (1 top-10 finish), won 2024-2025 CVMA Formula Middleweight Championship; 2023 season, finished 14th in the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (best race finish was seventh), won five CVMA races; 2022 season, placed 10th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was fourth, nine top-10 finishes), won CVMA 2021-2022 Winter Series Championships in 500 Supersport, Ultra-Lightweight Shootout, and Formula Ultra-Lightweight, was highest overall point scorer in CVMA 2021-2022 Winter Series; 2021 season, finished 14th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (three top-10 finishes, best race finish was eighth); 2020 season, won CVMA 2020-2021 Winter Series 500 Supersport and Ultra-Lightweight Shootout Expert Championships, won WERA West D Superbike Expert Championship, finished second in WERA West Clubman Expert Championship (won eight WERA races), won CVMA 2019-2020 Winter Series 500 SS Amateur Championship; 2019 season, won 3 WERA West Novice-class Championships (Clubman, D Superbike, Mini 50), won 20 WERA races.

2025 racing goals: Improve on 2024 performance.

Racing career goals: Compete as a Pro in MotoAmerica and move to World Superbike.

Racing heroes: Valentino Rossi, Greg Hancock.

Favorite tracks: Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Brainerd, Road America.

Favorite hobbies: Working out, photography/videography.

If I wasn’t racing I would be...: Hanging with friends.

 

…..

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;

Former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

Three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

FIM JuniorGP World Championship point scorer and MotoAmerica podium finisher Torin Collins;

Former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

Four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne(R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

Two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley- Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

Two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner- up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

Eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, and 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, and four-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 and 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

Two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner Rocco Landers;

Two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and powersports dealership owner Bryce Kornbau (nee Prince);

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

Two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;

2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Tyler Scott;

Former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

Three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship regular Max Toth;

Multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, former World Superbike competitor, and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Jayson Uribe;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and current Supersport regular Max Van;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

Former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner; MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and 2024 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Champion Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion Ashton Yates;

Two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

AFAM Returns to the U.S. Market With Partner Kimpex USA

John Ulrich
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AFAM Returns to the U.S. Market With Partner Kimpex USA

AFAM Returns to the U.S. Market in Partnership with Kimpex USA

A new distribution alliance brings premium motorcycle chains and sprockets back to American riders

AFAM, the renowned Belgium manufacturer of high-performance motorcycle chains and sprockets, proudly announces its return to the United States through a partnership with Kimpex USA, a leading powersports distributor with a strong footprint across the American market.

AFAM chains and sprockets held a strong reputation in the U.S. market throughout the 1980s and 1990s, known for their durability, performance, and reliability among road, off-road and motocross enthusiasts. During that era, AFAM was a trusted name in racing and recreational riding, with widespread brand loyalty. Today, AFAM is focused on reigniting that legacy, rebuilding its presence in the U.S. by delivering high-quality, race-proven products that meet the demands of modern riders such as the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha race teams.

 

A close-up of AFAM chain.
An AFAM rear sprocket.

With this alliance, AFAM’s full line of chains and sprockets kits will once again be available to U.S. dealers and riders who value precision, durability, and race-proven performance. Distribution will be handled directly through Kimpex’s U.S. distribution hubs, ensuring fast delivery, expert support, and wide availability.

“We’re excited to reintroduce AFAM to the U.S. market with a solid partner like Kimpex USA, whose distribution capabilities and industry expertise are highly valued,” said Luca Farina, Export Manager of DC AFAM NV. “AFAM has more than 45 years of experience supplying top-tier transmission globally and to professional racing teams like The Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha USA 250 and 450 Factory teams. This partnership allows us to bring that legacy back to American roads and tracks.”

Founded in 1978, AFAM has earned a reputation for premium chain and sprocket components used in everything from street bikes to world championship racing. Kimpex, established in 1967 and headquartered in Canada, has become one of North America’s most trusted names in powersports distribution, with a growing presence in the U.S. through its Champlain facility.

“AFAM products perfectly complement our current lineup,” said Jason Hammond, Vice President, and General Manager at Kimpex USA. “There’s a strong demand in the U.S. for high-quality, reliable chain and sprocket components, and AFAM is a brand that riders already know and trust.”

AFAM Chains and sprockets will be available to U.S. dealers through Kimpex USA starting this summer, supported by a national launch campaign, technical training, and promotional incentives.

MotoGP : Viñales Fastest Friday Afternoon At Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP : Viñales Fastest Friday Afternoon At Mugello

Maverick Viñales led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:44.634 around the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track and led the 22-rider field.     

Francesco Bagnaia was the best of the rest with a 1:44.744 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25. 

Marc Marquez, Bagnaia’s teammate and the current World Championship point leader, was third at 1:44.780.

Classification motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Viñales leads Bagnaia on blistering Mugello Friday. Top Gun puts KTM at the summit on Friday as Yamaha and Aprilia also gain automatic Q2 entries.

A quality 1:44.634 lap late into a phenomenal MotoGP Practice session at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy saw Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) spoil Ducati’s opening day party. Top Gun flew highest to beat Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) by 0.110s on Friday afternoon, as the Italian’s teammate Marc Marquez made sure both factory Ducatis were inside the top three at the end of play.

EARLY DOORS: Acosta leads, Quartararo crashes

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way in the opening stages of Practice as drama unfolded for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) with 48 minutes left on the clock. The Frenchman suffered a fast crash on the entry to Turn 4 and after partially dislocating his left shoulder, Quartararo was on his feet, back in the box and back out on track setting personal best lap times soon enough.

There was also a crash at the final corner for Jack Miller, the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP star was all OK and occupied P10 with 22 minutes to go. And that is around the time where we began to see some fresh soft rear Michelin tyre rubber slotted in, which usually means one thing on a Friday afternoon – time attacks.

THE FINAL 20 MINS: time attack mode engaged

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) were the first big movers, the Italian and Spaniard went P2 and P6 respectively, as 0.5s split pacesetter Acosta to Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in P14. Small margins at Mugello.

Then things got very busy. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) briefly led the session before Morbidelli and then Bagnaia climbed to the summit. The new time to beat, thanks to the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Italian GP winner, was a 1:45.324. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was a close P2, Acosta was within a tenth in P3, before Bezzecchi – while shadowing a rapid Bagnaia – went P1 by 0.064s.

At this stage, Marc Marquez was P14. But not for long. The Championship leader landed a 1:45.044 to beat Bezzecchi’s time by a tenth, as Viñales slotted into P3 ahead of Bagnaia. This was relentless Practice action at Mugello, and we still had another eight minutes to enjoy.

And with four minutes to go, Alex Marquez set a new benchmark time. A 1:44.787 put the #73 over two tenths clear, before Bagnaia responded to move 0.043s ahead of the pack. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had shot into the top five and then teammate Quartararo went P3 – what an effort.

Then, full focus was on Viñales. Through Sector 3, the #12 was two tenths under Bagnaia’s time and across the line, Top Gun was top dog with 30s remaining. Could Marc Marquez have a say? He flirted with the idea, but the #93’s lap was only good enough for P3.

And that was all she wrote. Viñales sits a tenth clear heading into Saturday, with Yamaha and Aprilia also right in the victory and podium hunt as things stand, alongside Ducati.

THE TOP 10: Friday’s fastest runners at Mugello

Alex Marquez was P4 behind the leading trio, with Quartararo’s heroics seeing him end a rollercoaster Friday in P5. Bezzecchi fronts the Aprilia charge in P6, Rins sits P7 to hand factory Yamaha a double Q2 automatic passage, as Acosta, Morbidelli and Di Giannantonio make up the initial 10 riders heading into the pole position scrap.

Moto2 : Salac Quickest Friday Afternoon in Italy

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto2 : Salac Quickest Friday Afternoon in Italy

Filip Salac led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Czech rider lapped the 3.26-mile road course in 1:50.208, topping the field of 28 riders.

For his Home GP, Celestino Vietti was second-best with a time of 1:50.288 on his Beta Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro. 

Spaniard Manuel Gonzalez did a third-fastest 1:50.302 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:50.976 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Salac pips Vietti as Friday concludes at Mugello for Moto2™. The Czech star found form to lead the charge into the weekend but it’s tight behind. 

A fine day for motorcycle racing at Mugello as the sun beat down for Moto2™ Practice in the afternoon. The soaring temperatures were a match for on-track action as the vital top 14 places were out to be bagged; Filip Salac (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the long-time leader in the session and remained on top at the end, ahead of Boscoscuro’s Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) and joint-Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP).

The 1’50.208 was good enough for Salac to head Vietti by 0.080s, whilst ‘Manugas’ secured third and was within a tenth of the top time. Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) booked his spot in Q2 with fourth whilst it was contrasting fortunes for his teammate Aron Canet. Tied with Gonzalez for the lead of the standings, the #44 was just P14 at the chequered flag and suffered a mechanical issue on his in-lap. Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) came to Canet’s aide and finished ninth after getting a tow round by teammate Salac, whilst it was home-hero Tony Arbolino (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) who secured fifth.

Next up and it was a solid afternoon for Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), whilst David Holgado (CFMOTO European Privilege Aspar) was next up in seventh. A late charge from Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) saw him sneak through into Q2 directly with eighth, whilst Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounded out the top ten.

Completing the list of riders who got the donkey work done on Friday and likewise scrap it out for Q2, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), with some standout names struggling to move further up. They were fortunate though, as famous faces will fight it out in Q1, including Aragon GP winner Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), 2024 Mugello winner Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and reigning Moto3™ World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO European Privilege Aspar).

Full Moto2 Mugello results from Friday Practice!

Moto3 : Almansa Is Best Friday Afternoon in Italy

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto3 : Almansa Is Best Friday Afternoon in Italy

David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda to lap the 3.26-mile track in 1:55.535, which led the field of 26 riders.

Honda Team Asia’s Taiyo Furusato was second-best with a time of 1:55.567. 

Ryusei Yamanaka, piloting his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:55.722. 

Classification practicde moto3

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Almansa fastest from Furusato as big hitters face Q1. It’s Leopard leading Honda Team Asia after Friday’s Moto3 running at Mugello, with Muñoz and Quiles both outside the top 14. 

David Almansa’s (Leopard Racing) 1:55.535 handed the Spaniard top spot on Friday at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy, as a pair of Japanese stars complete the leading trio – Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). On the flip side of the coin, Aragon’s P1 and P2 finishers, David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team), face Q1’s jungle at Mugello.

Mistakes in the closing stages cost Muñoz and Quiles a chance to try and jump into that top 14, and it was an afternoon that was doubly disappointing for the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP box after home hero Guido Pini suffered an early crash and subsequent bike problem that saw the Italian complete just four laps. 

There were no such issues for Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) and Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), though. The Australian and Italian sail into Q2 in P4 and P5, with Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) a solid P6. Rookies Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) sit ahead of Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and World Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) inside the top 10, with Rivacold Snipers Team duo Nicola Carraro and Riccardo Rossi gaining automatic Q2 entry alongside Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing).

Tune into Moto3 qualifying at 12:50 local time on Saturday afternoon!

Moto3 Italian GP Practice results!

MotoGP : Bezzecchi Heads Opening Practice At Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP : Bezzecchi Heads Opening Practice At Mugello

Marco Bezzecchi topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Michelin-shod Aprilia Racing RS-GP25, the Italian turned a lap of 1:46.199 around the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track and led the 22-rider field.

Pedro Acosta was second-best with a 1:46.1999 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16. Bezzecchi and Acosta recorded equal lap times.

Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder was third with a lap of 1:46.252. 

Classification motogp fp1

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Bezzecchi and Acosta set identical lap times, Aprilia and KTM lead Mugello FP1. It’s not often that the top two in a session set the same time to the thousandth of a second but this is Mugello, where anything can happen – and most probably will. 

Meandering its way through the hills of Tuscany, the rather peaceful surroundings of Mugello are shattered by MotoGP™ every year and 2025 is no different. The first of four rounds in five weeks has ignited with FP1 and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) leading the way, even if it was his second time that gave him top spot, having matched Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) on his last lap.

Leaving it late with his last flying lap, Marco Bezzecchi charged to the top to demote Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Italian, racing at home, set the exact same time as the KTM rider but leads the way into the afternoon, courtesy of his second fastest time being faster. Acosta would have improved again before running wide on his final flying lap at the final corner, going into the gravel. Ultimately taking P2, an interesting observation was that the #37 KTM, following on from the Aragon Test, was not using any rear aero package. He was ahead of teammate Brad Binder, with the South African once again at the top of the top speed charts at 362.4km/h. Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) was fourth and the best Ducati, whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top five.

Making it four manufacturers inside the top six, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was sixth and back in better form than two weeks ago at Aragon. Three KTMs in the top seven as Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in P7, whilst Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took P8. The winner of the last three Italian GPs was still struggling, with two laps in the closing ten minutes being ruined by missed apexes; the frustration was clear for the #63.Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was ninth whilst Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) made it all five manufacturers inside the top ten.

One crasher at Arrabbiata 1 was Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), although he was soon back in the box and all OK whilst his teammate was back in action too. Ai Ogura crashed at Silverstone in FP2 and was ruled out of Aragon but returned with P15 in FP1 at Mugello, a circuit he’s stated isn’t preferred for his riding style. The top 15 were all covered by less than nine tenths of a second, making for an intriguing and high energy afternoon of Practice to determine who goes into Q2 directly and who will face the dreaded dogfight of Q1.

MotoGP Mugello FP1 results!

Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice At Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice At Mugello

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:50.589 to lead the field of 28 riders.

Jake Dixon was the best of the rest with a 1:50.629 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro. Celestino Vietti was third-fastest with a 1:50.677 on his Beta Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:51.525 on his Onlyfans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification fp1 moto2

Moto2 : Moreira Takes Pole Position At Mugello

Diogo Moreira in parc fermé after claiming pole position in Italy. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Diogo Moreira in parc fermé after claiming pole position in Italy. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Diogo Moreira was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying Saturday at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. The Brazilian topped qualifying session with a new lap record time. Riding his Pirelli-shod Italtrans Racing Team Kalex, the poleman navigated the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) course in 1:49.745, breaking Joe Roberts’ 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:49.877. 

Spanish veteran Aron Canet was second-best with a 1:49.831 on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex.

Albert Arenas claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:49.857 on his Italjet Gresini Moto2 Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday’s qualifying session 18th with a best time of 1:50.866 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

QualifyingResults moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Moreira collects second consecutive Moto2 pole. The Brazilian will sit ahead of Canet on the front row at Mugello. 

For the second consecutive Grand Prix, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) will launch the Moto2 race from pole position after the Brazilian beat Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) on Saturday afternoon thanks to a 1:49.745. Meanwhile, Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) starts on the front row for the first time this season in P3.

In a dramatic Q2 that saw Practice pacesetter Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) crash in the closing stages amongst a busy and slow-moving Moto2 pack, Moreira’s Kalex-Triumph machine was clipped by the stricken Boscoscuro bike which put an end to his session. However, it didn’t cost the #10 pole, as Canet’s cancelled lap gets reinstated after the session to see Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) pushed back to P4.

 

Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) will begin the Grand Prix from P5, with Q1 graduate and Aragon GP winner Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completing Row 2 in Italy.

Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) is the lead home hero in P7, with Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) set to start from eighth – but the Belgian suffered a big highside with a few minutes remaining. Baltus headed to the medical centre for a check-up after the session, hopefully he’s all OK for Sunday’s outing.

Tune into what looks set to be a brilliant Moto2 battle from Mugello at 12:15!

Moto2 Italian GP Q2 results!

Moto3 : Carpe Claims Pole Position At Autodromo del Mugello

Alvaro Carpe got pole position in Italy. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo Team.
Alvaro Carpe got pole position in Italy. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo Team.

Alvaro Carpe earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo on Pirelli control tires, Carpe topped the 26-rider field with a lap time of 1:54.733. 

His teammate, Jose Antonio Rueda was the best of the rest with a 1:54.970, and Scott Ogden claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:55.032 on his CIP Green Power KTM.

 

QualifyingResults moto3

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna:

Carpe takes maiden pole in style at Mugello. A charge to glory including a round-the-outside move on Piqueras puts Carpe on top late on in Italy. 

He left it late but he did it in style: Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) takes his first Moto3™ pole at Mugello, and the #83 rookie even charged round the outside of a fellow frontrunner on his rush for glory. Carpe’s 1:54.733 puts him a couple of tenths ahead of teammate and Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda, with Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) taking third to continue his impressive form this weekend at Mugello.

The first battle commenced in Q1 with differing strategies; Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Aspar Team) and Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) stayed in the pits for the opening five minutes. There seemed to be no option but the pits for 2021 winner Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Aspar Team), who was stuck in the box until the second half of the session. Quiles was epic on his first flying lap, carving through the riders ahead to go top with David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) P2. Quiles crashed on the exit of Turn 5, spelling the end of his session whilst Pini was set to progress too but a lap cancellation for exceeding track limits at Turn 14 meant he had to go again. Hampered by Foggia on his penultimate lap, it was all or nothing for the rider from Scarperia but it wasn’t to be: he’ll go from 21st. Joining Quiles and Muñoz into Q2, Vicente Perez (GRYD MLav Racing Team) and a late-charging Foggia.

 

Whilst work continued on Quiles’ #28 machine, Q2 was already up and running as riders searched for a banker lap time. After the opening half was done, it was Carpe who had set the best lap time whilst Quiles lost his first lap due to exceeding track limits and was yet to set a time going into the final five minutes.

The track came alive with red sectors, Championship leader Rueda had gone top ahead of Ogden but leaving it late, rookie sensation Carpe stole the show with pole position ahead of his teammate, his first pole in the class after charging through all in his way. Odgen, having been fastest in FP2’s morning session, was third for a first front row since Silverstone in 2023. Angel Piqueras (FRINSA MT Helmets – MSI) – the victim of Carpe’s round-the-outside charge – secured fourth, whilst Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Ajo) equalled his best Moto3 qualifying with fifth.

Completing the second row of the grid will be Aragon winner David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), with Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Ajo) denied his best qualifying result of the season after getting a back of the grid penalty for being slow on the line after posting his personal best.

Quiles’ eventful qualifying day therefore results in P7 ahead of Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) and David Almansa (Leopard Racing) on Row 3. Big names to watch out for further down field include Almansa’s teammate Adrian Fernandez in P13, 2021 winner Foggia in P15 and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) in 16th after mechanical issues kept the Japanese rider out of the final moments.

Check out full Moto3 qualifying results from Mugello HERE!

MotoGP : Marquez On pole Position In Italy

Marc Marquez earned pole position at Mugello, in Italy. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez earned pole position at Mugello, in Italy. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Marc Marquez claimed pole position during MotoGP qualifying Saturday at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on the dry 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track, Marquez turned a 1:44.169. Not only was that good enough to top the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Jorge Martin’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:44.504.

His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia was the best of the rest with a 1:44.228 and Alex Marquez claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:44.252 on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

Row-two qualifiers included Yamaha Monster Energy’s Fabio Quartararo (1:44.411),  Maverick Viñales on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 (1:44.514) and Franco Morbidelli on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team (1:44.568).

QualifyingResults motogp

 

More from a press release issued by: 

100 not out: Marc Marquez pips Bagnaia to Mugello pole.0.059s splits the factory Ducati duo on Saturday morning, while Alex Marquez also gets within a tenth of the #93 in a historic Q2 battle. 

100 not out. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) has become the first rider ever to reach triple figures in terms of career pole positions after the title race leader narrowly beat teammate Francesco Bagnaia to a Saturday morning P1 at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy. Marquez’s all-time lap record, a 1:44.169, was just 0.059s quicker than Bagnaia’s best effort, as Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) claims a front row start having got within a tenth of pole in a memorable Mugello Q2.

 

 

Q1: Aldeguer and Fernandez grab Q2 spots

The initial benchmark time in Q1 was set by Trackhouse MotoGP’s Raul Fernandez, a 1:45.214, and the Spaniard went marginally quicker again on his second flyer to lead Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) by 0.256s.

On the second runs though, Fernandez’s pace was beaten as Aldeguer dived into the 1:44s with a 1:44.894, a lap good enough to see the rookie sit 0.264s ahead of the Trackhouse star. Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) improved his time as well to go 0.027s behind Fernandez, before Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) pounced up to P2 to demote Fernandez to P3 by 0.007s. Could anyone respond on their final attempts? Fernandez was giving it a good go and sure enough, by 0.014s, the #25 knocked the Australian out of the top two. It doesn’t get a lot closer than that. Late disappointment for Prima Pramac and Miller, delight for Trackhouse and Fernandez.

 

Q2: A fascinating fight for pole

Then, after a breather, MotoGP Q2 lit up the Tuscan hills. And Marc Marquez’s first lap was a 1:44.500 – a new all-time lap record. Not a bad start to qualifying for the #93, as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) went a couple of tenths adrift to sit in an early P2. But that P2 then belonged to Bagnaia as the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Italian GP victor went just 0.048s away from his teammate’s time, with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) slotted into P3.

That shoved Quartararo to a provisional P4, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was an early P5, and Maverick Viñales’ (Red Bull KTM Tech3) first real showing in Q2 saw Top Gun set a 1:44.915 to go P6 as we then strapped in for the second set of time attacks at Mugello.

And as usual, the timing screens were lighting up with plenty of orange and red. Quartararo’s third sector was unbelievable, El Diablo was over three tenths faster than Marc Marquez’s time and although he didn’t hold that advantage to the line, the Yamaha star snatched provisional pole away from Ducati.

Bagnaia then had his say. A beautiful 1:44.228 saw the home hero climb to P1, Alex Marquez came close and went P2 before Marc Marquez regained top spot by 0.059s. This was some serious pace. Could anyone find time with just over a minute to go?

Viñales wasn’t far away three-quarters of the way around his latest attempt, but it wasn’t enough to see the Tech3 rider leap onto the front row. It was P5 for the Practice pacesetter, and that was the final improvement of the session which meant Marc Marquez clinched that 100th career pole position. Some achievement. Bagnaia and Alex Marquez make up a front row split by 0.083s, boy is that set up nicely for the Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix.

 

How your front four rows shape up for the Italian GP

Battling through the pain, Quartararo spearheads Row 2 ahead of Viñales and Morbidelli, as Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) earns a P7 grid slot on home turf. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) launched from P8, Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) aims for Sprint points from P9 as Row 4 is made up of Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), Fernandez and Aldeguer.

 

NEXT: Mugello’s Tissot Sprint

The title race leader, the home hero and the chief chaser. Who wins? Who knows. Make sure you tune into the Sprint at 15:00!

MotoGP qualifying results!

Roadracing World Young Guns 2025: Owen Williams

Owen Williams (13) in MotoAmerica Supersport at Barber in 2025. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Owen Williams (13) in MotoAmerica Supersport at Barber in 2025. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 29th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.

Roadracing World Young Guns have won:

  • FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
  • MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 14 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
  • A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
  • WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships; ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
  • AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
  • USGPRU National Championships;
  • Many regional and local titles.

The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.

We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2025 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.

The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America, based on the 2024 season. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.

We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.

 

Owen Williams on the MotoAmerica Supersport grid at Barber with a crew member. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Owen Williams on the MotoAmerica Supersport grid at Barber with crew member Steve Main. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

Owen Williams: 

Age: 17.

Current home: Lake Forest, California.

Current height/weight: 5’10”/155 pounds.

Current school grade level: 12th grade.

Began riding at age: 7 years.

First road race: 2014, Rosamond, California, M1GP, 50cc class, last place.

Current racebike: Suzuki GSX-R750.

Current tuner/mechanic: Chad Williams (father).

Primary race series: MotoAmerica Supersport, CVMA.

Top sponsors: 7.62 Racing, Altus Motorsports, Bison, HJC, JP43 Training, Bickle Racing, Jack C, 64 Degrees Racing, RK Chain, Woodcraft, Vortex, Apex Assassins, Barrett Racing.

Recent racing accomplishments: 2024 season, placed 19th in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (1 top-10 finish), won 2024-2025 CVMA Formula Middleweight Championship; 2023 season, finished 14th in the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship (best race finish was seventh), won five CVMA races; 2022 season, placed 10th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (best race finish was fourth, nine top-10 finishes), won CVMA 2021-2022 Winter Series Championships in 500 Supersport, Ultra-Lightweight Shootout, and Formula Ultra-Lightweight, was highest overall point scorer in CVMA 2021-2022 Winter Series; 2021 season, finished 14th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (three top-10 finishes, best race finish was eighth); 2020 season, won CVMA 2020-2021 Winter Series 500 Supersport and Ultra-Lightweight Shootout Expert Championships, won WERA West D Superbike Expert Championship, finished second in WERA West Clubman Expert Championship (won eight WERA races), won CVMA 2019-2020 Winter Series 500 SS Amateur Championship; 2019 season, won 3 WERA West Novice-class Championships (Clubman, D Superbike, Mini 50), won 20 WERA races.

2025 racing goals: Improve on 2024 performance.

Racing career goals: Compete as a Pro in MotoAmerica and move to World Superbike.

Racing heroes: Valentino Rossi, Greg Hancock.

Favorite tracks: Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Brainerd, Road America.

Favorite hobbies: Working out, photography/videography.

If I wasn’t racing I would be...: Hanging with friends.

 

…..

Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);

2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and MotoAmerica Superbike podium finisher Corey Alexander;

AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);

2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;

Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;

Former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;

Three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;

FIM JuniorGP World Championship point scorer and MotoAmerica podium finisher Torin Collins;

Former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;

2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;

2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;

Four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne(R.I.P.);

Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;

Two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley- Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;

2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;

2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;

Two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;

2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;

2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;

2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);

2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner- up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;

Eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;

2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, and 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, and four-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Teagg Hobbs;

AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;

2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;

2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 and 2024 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;

2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Sean Dylan Kelly;

Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;

Two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers race winner Rocco Landers;

Two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;

2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;

MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;

MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;

AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;

Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;

AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and two-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;

2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;

2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;

2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;

2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and powersports dealership owner Bryce Kornbau (nee Prince);

AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;

Two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;

2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;

2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;

2021 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion and multi-time MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Tyler Scott;

Former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;

Three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;

FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship regular Max Toth;

Multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;

MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, former World Superbike competitor, and 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship runner-up Jayson Uribe;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and current Supersport regular Max Van;

2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;

Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;

Former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner; MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and 2024 MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Champion Cory West;

MotoAmerica Junior Cup race winner and 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion Ashton Yates;

Two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.

AFAM Returns to the U.S. Market With Partner Kimpex USA

AFAM chain and sprockets are returning to the American market.

AFAM Returns to the U.S. Market in Partnership with Kimpex USA

A new distribution alliance brings premium motorcycle chains and sprockets back to American riders

AFAM, the renowned Belgium manufacturer of high-performance motorcycle chains and sprockets, proudly announces its return to the United States through a partnership with Kimpex USA, a leading powersports distributor with a strong footprint across the American market.

AFAM chains and sprockets held a strong reputation in the U.S. market throughout the 1980s and 1990s, known for their durability, performance, and reliability among road, off-road and motocross enthusiasts. During that era, AFAM was a trusted name in racing and recreational riding, with widespread brand loyalty. Today, AFAM is focused on reigniting that legacy, rebuilding its presence in the U.S. by delivering high-quality, race-proven products that meet the demands of modern riders such as the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha race teams.

 

A close-up of AFAM chain.
An AFAM rear sprocket.

With this alliance, AFAM’s full line of chains and sprockets kits will once again be available to U.S. dealers and riders who value precision, durability, and race-proven performance. Distribution will be handled directly through Kimpex’s U.S. distribution hubs, ensuring fast delivery, expert support, and wide availability.

“We’re excited to reintroduce AFAM to the U.S. market with a solid partner like Kimpex USA, whose distribution capabilities and industry expertise are highly valued,” said Luca Farina, Export Manager of DC AFAM NV. “AFAM has more than 45 years of experience supplying top-tier transmission globally and to professional racing teams like The Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha USA 250 and 450 Factory teams. This partnership allows us to bring that legacy back to American roads and tracks.”

Founded in 1978, AFAM has earned a reputation for premium chain and sprocket components used in everything from street bikes to world championship racing. Kimpex, established in 1967 and headquartered in Canada, has become one of North America’s most trusted names in powersports distribution, with a growing presence in the U.S. through its Champlain facility.

“AFAM products perfectly complement our current lineup,” said Jason Hammond, Vice President, and General Manager at Kimpex USA. “There’s a strong demand in the U.S. for high-quality, reliable chain and sprocket components, and AFAM is a brand that riders already know and trust.”

AFAM Chains and sprockets will be available to U.S. dealers through Kimpex USA starting this summer, supported by a national launch campaign, technical training, and promotional incentives.

MotoGP : Viñales Fastest Friday Afternoon At Mugello

Maverick Viñales was fastest Friday afternoon in Italy. Photo courtesy KTM TECH3 Team.

Maverick Viñales led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:44.634 around the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track and led the 22-rider field.     

Francesco Bagnaia was the best of the rest with a 1:44.744 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25. 

Marc Marquez, Bagnaia’s teammate and the current World Championship point leader, was third at 1:44.780.

Classification motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Viñales leads Bagnaia on blistering Mugello Friday. Top Gun puts KTM at the summit on Friday as Yamaha and Aprilia also gain automatic Q2 entries.

A quality 1:44.634 lap late into a phenomenal MotoGP Practice session at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy saw Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) spoil Ducati’s opening day party. Top Gun flew highest to beat Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) by 0.110s on Friday afternoon, as the Italian’s teammate Marc Marquez made sure both factory Ducatis were inside the top three at the end of play.

EARLY DOORS: Acosta leads, Quartararo crashes

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way in the opening stages of Practice as drama unfolded for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) with 48 minutes left on the clock. The Frenchman suffered a fast crash on the entry to Turn 4 and after partially dislocating his left shoulder, Quartararo was on his feet, back in the box and back out on track setting personal best lap times soon enough.

There was also a crash at the final corner for Jack Miller, the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP star was all OK and occupied P10 with 22 minutes to go. And that is around the time where we began to see some fresh soft rear Michelin tyre rubber slotted in, which usually means one thing on a Friday afternoon – time attacks.

THE FINAL 20 MINS: time attack mode engaged

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) were the first big movers, the Italian and Spaniard went P2 and P6 respectively, as 0.5s split pacesetter Acosta to Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in P14. Small margins at Mugello.

Then things got very busy. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) briefly led the session before Morbidelli and then Bagnaia climbed to the summit. The new time to beat, thanks to the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Italian GP winner, was a 1:45.324. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was a close P2, Acosta was within a tenth in P3, before Bezzecchi – while shadowing a rapid Bagnaia – went P1 by 0.064s.

At this stage, Marc Marquez was P14. But not for long. The Championship leader landed a 1:45.044 to beat Bezzecchi’s time by a tenth, as Viñales slotted into P3 ahead of Bagnaia. This was relentless Practice action at Mugello, and we still had another eight minutes to enjoy.

And with four minutes to go, Alex Marquez set a new benchmark time. A 1:44.787 put the #73 over two tenths clear, before Bagnaia responded to move 0.043s ahead of the pack. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) had shot into the top five and then teammate Quartararo went P3 – what an effort.

Then, full focus was on Viñales. Through Sector 3, the #12 was two tenths under Bagnaia’s time and across the line, Top Gun was top dog with 30s remaining. Could Marc Marquez have a say? He flirted with the idea, but the #93’s lap was only good enough for P3.

And that was all she wrote. Viñales sits a tenth clear heading into Saturday, with Yamaha and Aprilia also right in the victory and podium hunt as things stand, alongside Ducati.

THE TOP 10: Friday’s fastest runners at Mugello

Alex Marquez was P4 behind the leading trio, with Quartararo’s heroics seeing him end a rollercoaster Friday in P5. Bezzecchi fronts the Aprilia charge in P6, Rins sits P7 to hand factory Yamaha a double Q2 automatic passage, as Acosta, Morbidelli and Di Giannantonio make up the initial 10 riders heading into the pole position scrap.

Moto2 : Salac Quickest Friday Afternoon in Italy

Filip Salac was fastest this afternoon during the practice session in Italy. Photo courtesy ELF Marc VDS Team.
Filip Salac was fastest this afternoon during the practice session in Italy. Photo courtesy ELF Marc VDS Team.

Filip Salac led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Czech rider lapped the 3.26-mile road course in 1:50.208, topping the field of 28 riders.

For his Home GP, Celestino Vietti was second-best with a time of 1:50.288 on his Beta Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro. 

Spaniard Manuel Gonzalez did a third-fastest 1:50.302 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:50.976 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Salac pips Vietti as Friday concludes at Mugello for Moto2™. The Czech star found form to lead the charge into the weekend but it’s tight behind. 

A fine day for motorcycle racing at Mugello as the sun beat down for Moto2™ Practice in the afternoon. The soaring temperatures were a match for on-track action as the vital top 14 places were out to be bagged; Filip Salac (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was the long-time leader in the session and remained on top at the end, ahead of Boscoscuro’s Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) and joint-Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP).

The 1’50.208 was good enough for Salac to head Vietti by 0.080s, whilst ‘Manugas’ secured third and was within a tenth of the top time. Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) booked his spot in Q2 with fourth whilst it was contrasting fortunes for his teammate Aron Canet. Tied with Gonzalez for the lead of the standings, the #44 was just P14 at the chequered flag and suffered a mechanical issue on his in-lap. Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) came to Canet’s aide and finished ninth after getting a tow round by teammate Salac, whilst it was home-hero Tony Arbolino (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) who secured fifth.

Next up and it was a solid afternoon for Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), whilst David Holgado (CFMOTO European Privilege Aspar) was next up in seventh. A late charge from Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) saw him sneak through into Q2 directly with eighth, whilst Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounded out the top ten.

Completing the list of riders who got the donkey work done on Friday and likewise scrap it out for Q2, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), with some standout names struggling to move further up. They were fortunate though, as famous faces will fight it out in Q1, including Aragon GP winner Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), 2024 Mugello winner Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and reigning Moto3™ World Champion David Alonso (CFMOTO European Privilege Aspar).

Full Moto2 Mugello results from Friday Practice!

Moto3 : Almansa Is Best Friday Afternoon in Italy

David Almansa was fastest this afternoon at Mugello. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing.
David Almansa was fastest this afternoon at Mugello. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing.

David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda to lap the 3.26-mile track in 1:55.535, which led the field of 26 riders.

Honda Team Asia’s Taiyo Furusato was second-best with a time of 1:55.567. 

Ryusei Yamanaka, piloting his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:55.722. 

Classification practicde moto3

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Almansa fastest from Furusato as big hitters face Q1. It’s Leopard leading Honda Team Asia after Friday’s Moto3 running at Mugello, with Muñoz and Quiles both outside the top 14. 

David Almansa’s (Leopard Racing) 1:55.535 handed the Spaniard top spot on Friday at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy, as a pair of Japanese stars complete the leading trio – Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI). On the flip side of the coin, Aragon’s P1 and P2 finishers, David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team), face Q1’s jungle at Mugello.

Mistakes in the closing stages cost Muñoz and Quiles a chance to try and jump into that top 14, and it was an afternoon that was doubly disappointing for the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP box after home hero Guido Pini suffered an early crash and subsequent bike problem that saw the Italian complete just four laps. 

There were no such issues for Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) and Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), though. The Australian and Italian sail into Q2 in P4 and P5, with Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) a solid P6. Rookies Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) sit ahead of Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and World Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) inside the top 10, with Rivacold Snipers Team duo Nicola Carraro and Riccardo Rossi gaining automatic Q2 entry alongside Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing).

Tune into Moto3 qualifying at 12:50 local time on Saturday afternoon!

Moto3 Italian GP Practice results!

MotoGP : Bezzecchi Heads Opening Practice At Mugello

Marco Bezzecchi during the last Grand Prix at Aragon, in Spain. Photo courtesy Aprilia Team.
Marco Bezzecchi during the last Grand Prix at Aragon, in Spain. Photo courtesy Aprilia Team.

Marco Bezzecchi topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Michelin-shod Aprilia Racing RS-GP25, the Italian turned a lap of 1:46.199 around the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track and led the 22-rider field.

Pedro Acosta was second-best with a 1:46.1999 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16. Bezzecchi and Acosta recorded equal lap times.

Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder was third with a lap of 1:46.252. 

Classification motogp fp1

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Bezzecchi and Acosta set identical lap times, Aprilia and KTM lead Mugello FP1. It’s not often that the top two in a session set the same time to the thousandth of a second but this is Mugello, where anything can happen – and most probably will. 

Meandering its way through the hills of Tuscany, the rather peaceful surroundings of Mugello are shattered by MotoGP™ every year and 2025 is no different. The first of four rounds in five weeks has ignited with FP1 and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) leading the way, even if it was his second time that gave him top spot, having matched Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) on his last lap.

Leaving it late with his last flying lap, Marco Bezzecchi charged to the top to demote Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Italian, racing at home, set the exact same time as the KTM rider but leads the way into the afternoon, courtesy of his second fastest time being faster. Acosta would have improved again before running wide on his final flying lap at the final corner, going into the gravel. Ultimately taking P2, an interesting observation was that the #37 KTM, following on from the Aragon Test, was not using any rear aero package. He was ahead of teammate Brad Binder, with the South African once again at the top of the top speed charts at 362.4km/h. Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) was fourth and the best Ducati, whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top five.

Making it four manufacturers inside the top six, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was sixth and back in better form than two weeks ago at Aragon. Three KTMs in the top seven as Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in P7, whilst Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took P8. The winner of the last three Italian GPs was still struggling, with two laps in the closing ten minutes being ruined by missed apexes; the frustration was clear for the #63.Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was ninth whilst Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) made it all five manufacturers inside the top ten.

One crasher at Arrabbiata 1 was Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), although he was soon back in the box and all OK whilst his teammate was back in action too. Ai Ogura crashed at Silverstone in FP2 and was ruled out of Aragon but returned with P15 in FP1 at Mugello, a circuit he’s stated isn’t preferred for his riding style. The top 15 were all covered by less than nine tenths of a second, making for an intriguing and high energy afternoon of Practice to determine who goes into Q2 directly and who will face the dreaded dogfight of Q1.

MotoGP Mugello FP1 results!

Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice At Mugello

Manuel Gonzalez during the last Grand-Prix at Aragon, in Spain. Photo courtesy IntactGP.
Manuel Gonzalez during the last Grand-Prix at Aragon, in Spain. Photo courtesy IntactGP.

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on the 3.26-mile (5.24 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:50.589 to lead the field of 28 riders.

Jake Dixon was the best of the rest with a 1:50.629 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro. Celestino Vietti was third-fastest with a 1:50.677 on his Beta Tools SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:51.525 on his Onlyfans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification fp1 moto2

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