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MotoGP : Sprint Race Results From Le Mans

MotoGP Tissot Sprint Race at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP Tissot Sprint Race at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Marc Marquez won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 13-lap race by 0.530 second.

Alex Marquez was the runner-up on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

His teammate and rookie, Fermin Aldeguer finished third.

Poleman Fabio Quartararo was fourth on his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZF-M1.

Maverick Viñales crossed the finish line fifth on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.

Two-time World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia crashed his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25. 

For the championship, Alex Marquez is 2 points behind his principal rival Marc Marquez who has 151 points. Bagnaia is third with 120 points.

Classification motogp sprint
 worldstanding motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Marc Marquez makes it six after battling Quartararo for Le Mans Sprint win. It was an epic opening encounter in MotoGP as the #93 returns to the top of the standings – but he had to work hard for it. 

Pure emotion, adrenaline and excitement, the 2025 Michelin® Grand Prix of France still has the main day to entertain but Saturday’s stunning on-track action left plenty of goosebumps. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) vs Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), the fight we wanted to see, the fight we got. The #93 came out on top to become the first rider with six consecutive Sprint wins but the stat itself isn’t the entire story as BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP celebrate a double Saturday podium with Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer. 

OPENING STAGES: Quartararo revels for home crowd

Grabbing the holeshot, Marc Marquez got to the fast Turn 2 first but ran wide, allowing home star and polesitter Quartararo to hit the front and launch away in the early stages. It was an early exit for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), as the rider P3 in the standings crashed at Turn 3 on Lap 2, despite a great start up from P6 to P4. Elsewhere, a miserable start for Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), who ran off into the gravel; he was able to rejoin the action but way out of points contention.

As Lap 4 ended, there was another crasher, this time Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at Turn 9; he remounted but entered the pits. Meanwhile, at the start of Lap 6, Marquez made his first attempt to try and lead the Sprint at Turn 3 but ran wide, allowing ‘El Diablo’ to get back through on the cutback. However, he wasn’t as fortunate at Turn 8, with Marc able to squeeze down the inside and not allow any retaliation from the Frenchman.

MORE BATTLES: Alex Marquez and Aldeguer come to the fore

At the start of Lap 8 and now heading towards the final third, there was no way for Quartararo to resist the #73 of Alex Marquez, who blasted by on the way up to Turn 2. Now the #20’s attention was moving towards Marquez’s teammate Aldeguer, once again having a sensational weekend in his rookie season. He found a way ahead for P3 at Turn 3 but not willing to relinquish a top three at home, Quartararo struck back at Turn 6 with contact between the two. Not backing down, the #54 responded with equal force, shoving Quartararo back to fourth at Turn 7.

THE FINAL MOMENTS: Acosta in late drama as Marc makes his mark

There was a last lap battle between the KTM duo of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), with the #12 attack ‘El Tiburon’ into Turn 3 but unable to make it work. Then, the unthinkable on the final lap at Turn 13, as Acosta fell all of his own accord, denying himself of a first top five in the Sprints this season.

Out front, it was dreamland for Marc, who became the first rider to win six consecutive Sprints, retaking the Championship lead from his brother by two points, with Alex taking second as the brothers once again locked out the top two places. In third, a mighty first Sprint rostrum for Aldeguer, who was one of the fastest riders in the closing stages, so keep an eye out for him in the Grand Prix. Quartararo was a determined fourth, whilst Viñales completed the top five courtesy of Acosta’s last fall.

Sixth place gave another reason for the home crowd to cheer as Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) came through from P11, pipping Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who likewise climbed the order from P17 to P7. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) grabbed his first Sprint points since COTA in 2023. The last point went to Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), denying Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) who rounded out the top ten.

That sets us up very nicely for the main event tomorrow. Tune in at 14:00 local time to see how the French GP unfolds!

FULL RESULTS!

Moto2: Gonzalez Takes Pole Position In France

Manuel Gonzalez in parc fermé after earning pole position in France. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Manuel Gonzalez in parc fermé after earning pole position in France. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Manuel Gonzalez was the man to beat during Moto2 World qualifying Saturday at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. The Spaniard topped qualifying session with a new lap record time. Riding his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex, Gonzalez navigated the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) course in 1:34.315, breaking his 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.744 he set yesterday during the practice session.

Barry Baltus was second-best with a 1:34.642 on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex.

Diogo Moreira claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:34.654 on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.

American Joe Roberts crossed the finish line 22nd with a lap tine of 1:35.374 on his Onlyfans American Racing Team Kalex.

QualifyingResults moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Gonzalez throws down the gauntlet to head Baltus and Moreira in France. The grid is set and it’s the #18 on top as Canet and Dixon look to launch strong from Row 2. 

Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) had continued his run of poles in style at the Michelin Grand Prix of France, the Championship leader putting in a number of times good enough for the top to remain unchallenged at the end of Q2. In second and third it’s a couple of late charges for glory for Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) in P2 and Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) completing the front row.

Baltus put in a stunner near the start of Q1 to near-guarantee his graduation to the fight for pole, and the Belgian then sat out the last few minutes content to remain unchallenged – and he was. Only by 0.052 in the end though as David Alonso (CFMoto Inde Aspar Team) moved up into second late on, joined by Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI) in Q2.

Once Q2 was underway, it was a familiar name on top: Gonzalez. After Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) set one new lap record, his arch rival had a response and, it would turn out, three of them. The #18 put in a trio of laps good enough for pole, ultimately keeping a gap of over three tenths at the top.

Second was decided late on in a flurry of final challenges, with Baltus steaming through into second place and Moreira then stealing third too. Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) also impressed to take over in fourth, with one final place demotion coming in for Dixon as he was pushed down to sixth by Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) in P5.

Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) heads Row 3 ahead of Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedRS Team) and teammate Celestino Vietti, with Ortola taking his first top ten in Moto2 in P10, and via Q1. Find full results from Moto2 qualifying at Le Mans here.

Will Gonzalez extend his lead, can Canet and Dixon strike back? Or will the newer podium contenders find form again in France? Tune in on Sunday to find out!

Moto3 : Quiles Claims Pole Position At Le Mans

Maximo Quiles in the parc fermé after taking pole position at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Aspar Team.
Maximo Quiles in the parc fermé after taking pole position at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Aspar Team.
The rookie, Maximo Quiles earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM on Pirelli control tires, Quiles topped the 26-rider field with a lap time of 1:39.947.
 

Guido Pini was second-best with a time of 1:40.036 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM.

Joel Kelso, piloting his LevelUp-MTA KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.045.

QualifyingResults moto3

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Quiles back with a bang for maiden pole ahead of Pini and Kelso. The rookies steal the spotlight in France with a 1-2 as qualifying sets the stage for a classic on Sunday. 

He stunned on debut in COTA and now he’s back from injury, Maximo Quiles only continues to impress. The CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team rider is on pole for only the second Grand Prix he’s contested, heading a rookie 1-2 ahead of Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s Guido Pini. Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) continues his frontrunning form to complete the front row.

It was a tense duel in Q1 as Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was leading the way but crashed with three minutes of the session remaining, meaning he was vulnerable in the closing stages. There was no reason to worry though as he stayed top, ahead of a late-charging Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), replacement rider Vicente Perez (LEVELUP-MTA) and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team), denying Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE) by just 0.015s.

 

Once we were into Q2 to decide pole, after the opening run it was Quiles on top on his return, and with quite a gap as the rookie returned to qualifying with a bang. After nearly taking pole on his first GP appearance in the Americas GP, this time he got the job done as no one could deny him.

Kelso was up into second with his penultimate flying lap but there was a mega lap incoming from Pini, taking over in P2, making it two debutants up top as Kelso adds the experience on the front row in third.

Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) heads up the second row ahead of Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) with a season-best qualifying and David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), completing the second row.

Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) took a very strong P7 on his team’s home turf, ahead of Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who continues to look for the form with which he dominated at Jerez. David Almansa (Leopard Racing) and Carraro complete the top ten, denying Japanese duo Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI), leaving them in P11 and P12 respectively.

Find full results from Moto3 qualifying HERE.

Can Quiles take that maiden podium or win? Will Pini upset the fight for the rookie spotlight? Or will the likes of Rueda and Piqueras hit back once the lights go out? We’ll find out on Sunday! 

MotoGP & Harley-Davidson Launching Global Bagger Series

Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ announce new global racing series launching in 2026, from left to the right, with Carmelo Ezpeleta, Jochen Zeitz and Carlos Ezpeleta.
Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ announce a new global racing series launching in 2026. Here, from left to right, are Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, Harley-Davidson Chairman/President/CEO Jochen Zeitz, and Dorna Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta. MotoGP photo.

Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ announce new global racing series launching in 2026. New Harley-Davidson championship series will race at six MotoGP weekends, pairing one of the world’s most iconic brands with the most exciting sport on Earth. 

Harley-Davidson and MotoGP are launching a new global racing championship featuring Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles.  Debuting in 2026, the series connects the passionate Harley-Davidson community across the US to the most exciting sport on Earth: MotoGP.

The twelve-race series will race at six Grands Prix across Europe and North America, with riders battling it out on race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles in two races per round. The grid is expected to comprise six to eight teams, each fielding two riders –supported by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing.

American Kyle Wyman (33) won on his factory-team Harley-Davidson Bagger last weekend at Road Atlanta. Wyman posted on Facebook “Today it is announced a three-year deal to feature a @harleydavidson spec series. There will be 6 rounds in 2026, with plans to expand the series for 2027-2028.” Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

 

Former MotoGP racer Bradley Smith (38) now races a Bagger in the MotoAmerica Series for the factory Harley-Davidson team. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.

“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions. Harley-Davidson has been pioneering performance on and off the road since our beginnings over 120 years ago. Most recently, we’ve showcased performance through our racing at the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series and through performance differentiated product such as our new CVO RR motorcycle and our CVO Road Glide ST. We’ve seen how performance has resonated with riders and fans, and we know that they’re keen for more,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “With this new series, we’re excited to bring a new form of racing to the world stage. Not only is this a bold and new chapter for our brand, celebrating our heritage while pushing into the future, but it will add an amazing spectacle to the greatest motorcycle show in the world.”

“This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both parties,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “We offer a truly international platform for Harley-Davidson to expand their global reach, and Harley-Davidson is perfectly placed to join us in bringing our sport to new audiences as we team up with one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the US. This partnership has big potential for both our strategies and will deliver a real spectacle for fans, bringing a completely new flavour to the Grand Prix weekends where the series will compete.”

 

Harley Davidson and MotoGP. From left to right, Carlos Ezpeleta, Jochen Zeitz, Carmelo Ezpeleta, Bradley Smith, Kyle Wyman and Jason Kehl.
Harley-Davidson and MotoGP: From left to right, Dorna Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta; Harley-Davidson Chairman, President & CEO Jochen Zeitz; Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta; former MotoGP racer and now MotoAmerica Bagger racer Bradley Smith; MotoAmerica Bagger racer Kyle Wyman; and Harley-Davidson MotoAmerica factory team boss Jason Kehl. MotoGP photo.

More details, including the calendar and how fans will be able to watch and stay up to date, will be revealed soon. Those looking to join the growing field or explore sponsorship and media opportunities can contact [email protected].

MotoGP Legend Randy Mamola wheelies a Harley-Davidson Road Glide King of The Baggers racebike at Barcelona during a demo last November. Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

MotoGP : Quartararo On Pole Position At Le Mans

Fabio Quartararo earned pole position for his HomeGP. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fabio Quartararo earned pole position for his HomeGP. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Fabio Quartararo claimed pole position during MotoGP qualifying Saturday at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 on the dry 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track, Frenchman turned a 1:29.324. Not only was that good enough to lead the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Marc Marquez’s 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:29.855 he set yesterday during practice session.

Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:29.442 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25, and Alex Marquez claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:29.571 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Desmosedici GP24.

Row-two qualifiers included A.Marquez’s teammate, Fermin Aldeguer (1:29.776), Maverick Viñales on his Red Bull KTM Tech 3 RC16 (1:30.023) and Francesco Bagnaia on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25 (1:30.047).

QualifyingResults motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Quartararo wrestles pole from Marquez in front of rapturous home crowd. Flying Frenchman never felt so apt: ‘El Diablo’ does it again as the roof comes off Le Mans. 

He’s only gone and done it again. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) left nothing on the table to make it back-to-back pole positions at the Michelin Grand Prix of France, taking a third pole at Le Mans and setting a new record with a 1:29.324. That forces Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) to settle for second for a second Grand Prix in a row, with Championship leader Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) completing the front row. 

Q1 SCRAP: fine margins as the fans get what they want

As usual, the first hurdle for those unable to get into the top ten in Practice yesterday was Q1 but the session wasn’t without dramas. There was a red flag after Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) fell at Turn 9 but he was OK, it was the bike needing some extra time to be retrieved as it revved on. By the time the session got back underway, it was close at the summit but Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) went top with less than three minutes remaining, ahead of Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team). Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) charged late on but missed out on a Q2 spot by 0.010s, with the top five covered by just 0.080s. However, moving through, Zarco got part one done, with Fernandez into Q2 for the first time since Thailand.

Q2 THRILLER: a late twist with a home star shining

With two Frenchmen into Q2, there were always going to be fireworks to decide pole. A new lap record was set as Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) obliterated his Practice time from Friday with a 1:29.442 in his first run, holding over three tenths over Quartararo who moved onto a provisional front row slot ahead of Championship leader Alex Marquez. Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was down in P11 as he struggled again to make progress up the grid.All eyes were now on the second run for riders but surely there was no catching Marc Marquez on top, despite Fermin Aldeguer’s (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) best attempts, going P2 before he crashed at Turn 3. He wasn’t the only crasher as Zarco fell at Turn 8 having put himself in P6 before having his lap time deleted. Alex Marquez was on a strong lap too with less than 90 seconds left on the clock, demoting his teammate to take P2.

DON’T DISCOUNT FABIO: ‘El Diablo’ stuns in front of huge home crowd

Despite Marc Marquez looking near certain for pole, there was no guarantee in Quartararo’s mind, as the #20 pulled out a heroic lap to snatch a home pole and deny the #93 for a second consecutive Grand Prix. The crowd went crazy as for the first time since 2021, it’s back-to-back poles for ‘El Diablo’, ahead of the Marquez brothers: Marc in P2 and Alex P3. Heading up the second row and missing out on a career-first front row, Aldeguer still makes it a personal best on the grid, whilst Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) is on the second row for the third straight GP in P5. Bagnaia also made up some ground to bag sixth and will need a fast start to have a say on the podium battle. That has been a speciality, however.

CHASING FROM BEHIND: Bezzecchi heads up third row

On the third row, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was the best of the Aprilia riders whilst Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) has his eyes on a prize from the middle of the third row. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) crashed on his final flying lap so will go from ninth, with Raul Fernandez completing the top ten, his second of the season in qualifying. Joining him on the fourth row, Zarco and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), with the latter struggling in the 15-minute shootout.Check out the full results from MotoGP qualifying at Le Mans HERE. And then come back for the first showdown of the weekend at 15:00 (UTC +2)! You can hear the crowd already…

MotoGP : Quartararo Is Best In Saturday Practice At Le Mans

Fabio Quartararo was quickest this morning during MotoGP FP2. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fabio Quartararo was quickest this morning during MotoGP FP2. Photo courtesy Dorna.

French sensation, Fabio Quartararo led MotoGP World Championship practice Saturday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 on spec Michelin tires, the 2021 MotoGP Champion turned a lap time of 1:30.546 to lead the 22-rider field.

Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:30.612 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25.

Fermin Aldeguer was third at 1:30.703 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

Francesco Bagnaia, M.Marquez’s teammate, finished the session fourth with a 1:30.748.

Aldeguer’s teammate, Alex Marquez crossed the finish line fifth with a lap time of 1:30.750.

Classification motogp fp2

Moto2 : Oncu Tops Final Practice In France

Deniz Öncü fastest this morning during FP2 in France. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo Team.
Deniz Öncü fastest this morning during FP2 in France. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo Team.

Deniz Öncü was quickest during Moto2 World Championship practice Saturday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex on the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track, the Turkish rider recorded a 1:34.693 breaking Manuel Gonzalez’s  All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.744 he set yesterday during practice session.

Manuel Gonzalez was the best of the rest with a 1:34.772 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

Filip Salac was third-fastest with a 1:34.957 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 18th with a best time of 1:35.652 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification FP2 MOTO2

Moto3: Kelso Heads Saturday Practice At Le Mans

Joel Kelso was fastest this morning during FP2 and broke lap record in France. Photo courtesy LevelUp MTA Team.
Joel Kelso was fastest this morning during FP2 and broke lap record in France. Photo courtesy LevelUp MTA Team.

Joel Kelso led Moto3 World Championship practice Saturday morning, at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Kelso used his Pirelli-shod LevelUp-MTA KTM to lap the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track in 1:39.885, which led the field of 26 riders and broke David Alonso’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:40.114 from 2024.

Adrian Fernandez was second-best with a time of 1:40.026 on his Leopard Racing Honda.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.085.

Classification FP2 Moto3

MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Was Second Fastest This Friday

Fabio Quartararo during practice session at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.
Fabio Quartararo during practice session at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.

Following his impressive P.2 finish in today’s practice session, we had the opportunity to speak with Fabio Quartararo. The Yamaha rider shared his thoughts on the bike’s performance, track conditions and the atmosphere. Calm and focused, Quartararo expressed confidence heading into qualifying, emphasizing the importance of consistency and teamwork in maintaining his momentum.

Fabio Quartararo: “I think it’s a positive day, we had a good pace on one lap and also on the long pace. So we can be pretty happy and hopefully tomorrow we can make another step forward.”

Question: Today is better than the Friday at Jerez ?

FQ: “Yes, much better because Jerez was a little bit a surprise for us. We never expected to be fighting quite high and make one good lap. Here was more natural like from the beginning I could make good pace, the time attack was also natural ,we went fast and lot of riders are really fast but for us if we only look at us, I am felling better than in Jerez.”

Question: Is it possible do make pole tomorrow ?

FQ: “It’s always possible and especially because I am able to really disconnect my brain on one lap and this is something when you take the confidence on the bike, it’s something that I like. Let’s see how much I can disconnect and how good we can make the lap. The realistic goal is to be on the front row and before P.5.”

Question: Did you expect to be so close to the record?

FQ : “Being honest yes, because we improved 1.5 seconds in Qatar compare to last year, 1.4 seconds in Jerez and I didn’t expect to make P2 but I expect the lap record to be really close. We feel on one lap we have made a big step compare to last year.”

Question: The engine confirmed ?

FQ: “Yes the engine confirmed ! Here the straight is quite short but I think it’s positive because we can see it’s better, it doesn’t affect on anything just a little bit of free time so it’s good.”

Question: How about the support here in France ?

FQ: “I can really hear the crowd it’s really special and we will try to make a great weekend and a great race tomorrow.”

Question: How have you found the grip level in Le Mans this year ?

FQ: “The grip level on this track is always really high and this is why we are performing, because we need to be realistic that on track where there is low grip and tire degradation we are more struggling. So we have to take the opportunity where we have good grip and a small straight because we can really perform.”

MotoGP : Marc Marquez Breaks Lap Record At Le Mans

Marc Marquez was fastest this afternoon at the Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez was fastest this afternoon at the Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the six-time World Champion turned a lap time of 1:29.855. Not only was that good enough to lead the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Jorge Martin’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:29.919.

Fabio Quartararo was the best of the rest with a 1:30.032 on his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR M1.

Francesco Bagnaia, M.Marquez’s teammate was third at 1:30.039.

Rookie Fermin Aldeguer finished the session fourth with a 1:30.221 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

His teammate, Alex Marquez crossed the finish line fifth with a lap time of 1:30.256.

 

Classification practice motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Marquez red hot for P1, Quartararo the chief chaser on home turf. The Frenchman claimed P2 behind a rapid #93 on Friday at Le Mans as attention turns to qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday. 

A new all-time lap record for Practice honours at the Michelin Grand Prix of France? That’s exactly what Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) served up as his 1:29.855 sees the six-time MotoGP World Champion acting as the rider to beat after the opening day of running. Leading the chase is home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), much to the delight of the packed Le Mans terraces, while Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) pocketed a P3.

How Practice unfolded: Marquez unbeatable, Quartararo fronts chasers

Leading the way into the final 30 minutes was Marc Marquez, with Quartararo 0.4s adrift in second place and Bagnaia third. That soon changed though because Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) jumped into P2 as Top Gun flew the KTM flag highest as we crept into the final 20 minutes of Practice.

The first big mover was Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol). The Italian leapt to P4 from outside the top 10 on a soft Michelin rear tyre, but fortunes weren’t as favourable for teammate Joan Mir as the 2020 World Champion suffered a crash at Turn 13 with 17 minutes left on the clock.

On fresh rear rubber, Viñales closed the gap to Marquez to sit 0.005s off the #93 and pushing to get the better of his compatriot, Viñales crashed unhurt at Turn 9. Meanwhile, Bagnaia had improved his time to go P3 and with 10 minutes to go, the home crowd were applauding Quartararo as the he went 0.3s clear at the top. However, that was short-lived because five seconds later, Marquez slammed in a 1:29.855 – a new all-time lap record.

Could anyone get close to that was the question. Bagnaia went P2 to close the deficit to 0.184s and not long after, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) jumped ahead of Quartararo into P3. A late crash for Johann Zarco (Honda HRC Castrol), coupled with a Marini improvement, saw the Frenchman lose out on a place in the top 10, while the other home hero landed a late lap to back to P2. That, of course, was Quartararo.

Friday’s top 10 in Le Mans

Rookie Aldeguer continued to impress as the #54 ends Day 1 in P4 ahead of teammate and World Championship leader Alex Marquez. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) enjoyed a fruitful session, the Australian sails into Q2 in P6, as a pair of KTMs – led by Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – head into Q2, with Viñales eventually ending Practice in P8.

Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was P9 and a last-lap push from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) ensured the Italian snatched the final automatic Q2 spot in P10 – meaning Marini narrowly missed out.

Next up: qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday!

A capacity crowd awaits in Le Mans and at 10:50 local time they’ll be cheering on Zarco in Q1. Make sure you tune in to see how the grid is set for the Sprint and Grand Prix, with the first battle of the weekend going green at 15:00.

FULL RESULTS!

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