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Moto2: Arbolino Tops Final Practice At COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto2: Arbolino Tops Final Practice At COTA

Tony Arbolino was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Pirelli-shod REDS Fantic Racing Kalex on the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track, the Italian recorded a 2:06.159 to lead the field of 28 riders.

Senna Agius was the best of the rest with a 2:06.369 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex.

Alonso Lopez was third-fastest with a 2:06.402 on his Italjet Gresini Moto2.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 11th with a best time of 2:07.066 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

moto2 fp2

Moto3: Carpe Heads Saturday Practice At COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto3: Carpe Heads Saturday Practice At COTA

Alvaro Carpe led Moto3 World Championship practice Saturday morning, at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. The Spaniard used his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo machine to lap the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track in 2:13.190, which led the field of 25 riders and broke Maximo Quiles’s All-Time Lap Record of 2:13.757 he set yesterday during the practice session. 

Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Valentin Perrone was second-best with a time of 2:13.280.

Joel Esteban, piloting his Level Up MTA KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:13.349.

 

fp2 moto3

WorldWCR: Race One Results From Portimao

Mathilde Gasnier
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WorldWCR: Race One Results From Portimao

Maria Herrera won FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Race 1 Saturday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera won the 11-lap race by 4.657 seconds.

Paola Ramos was the runner-up on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7, and Beatriz Neila got third on her Ampito Crescent Yamaha YZF-R7.

American Mallory Dobbs got 23rd on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7.

 

wwcr race1

 

 

More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

Herrera kicks off 2026 in charge with WorldWCR rookie Ramos giving chase behind her. Three WorldWCR season openers, three Herrera wins as the #6 starts her season strong once again.

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship got their 2026 season underway as the first points of the Pirelli Portuguese Round were up for grabs in their Race 1. Saturday afternoon saw Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) again kick off her season from the top of the podium for her 13th career win in the category. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) sees silver in her first race as a permanent grid rider in WorldWCR, and 2025 runner-up Beatriz Nelia (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) takes her 17th career podium in third place in the season’s first contest.

WorldWCR’S SECOND-BIGGEST WINNING MARGIN EVER: Only the third race in the category to be decided by more than a second

Herrera flew off the line and quickly established a gap of more than six-tenths ahead of Neila and the rest of the grid. By the start of the second lap, that lead had already ballooned up to +1.511s. She set a new WorldWCR Race lap record of 1’52.685s on Lap 4 as she continued to run away with the contest. With her win, Herrera has won more than half of all the 25 WorldWCR races ever run. Behind her, Ramos and Neila sparred for P2, and by Lap 5, they were nearly three seconds ahead of the rest of the grid. The pair went head-to-head for what surely won’t be the last time this season. In this confrontation, the rookie came out on top, beating Neila by more than three seconds. Ramos’s P2 marks her first podium as a permanent rider, but already her second podium after her wild card Grand Slam at Jerez last year. Neila’s P3 spells her 15th rostrum in a row, prolonging her all-time record streak.

FREE-FOR-ALL FOR FOURTH: Only eight-tenths split P4 from P9

Behind the group fighting for the podium, it was a wrestling match for fourth through tenth place; Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team), Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa), Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team), Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha), Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team), Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team), and Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) all rode with a knife between their teeth to take all the points they could from the season opener. In the early running. For most of the race, Cerba, Boudesseul, and Ponziani clashed at the head of their group. As the pack fought doggedly for every position and riders nudged each other aside, the order shuffled wildly even in the final laps. The #94 led the group across the line to take P4, followed by Sanchez in P5, and Ponziani in P6.

CERPA SHINES IN ROOKIE DEBUT: lands P9, one of seven Spaniards in the top 10

While her P7 finish doesn’t quite tell the story of how competitive Ruiz was in her 2026 debut, she has many positives to take away from the race. Natalia Rivera takes home P8 to open her season, both she and Ruiz promoted up a position after Yvonne Cerba was applied a three-second Irresponsible Riding Penalty by FIM WorldSBK Stewards, who was subsequently shuffled to P9. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) closed out the top 10, as her pace trailed off in the later laps from the group she fought with in the early running.

RACE 1 CRASHERS: Two riders tumble on Turn 5

American rider Mallory Dobbs (YVS Sabadell Diva Racing) saw her race end after only five corners as she crashed out on the first lap. Four laps later, Turn 5 saw another crasher in the form of British rider Katie Hand (Team Trasimeno). Later on, Emily Bondi (FT Racing Academy) saw gravel on Turn 8 after the front gave out, and she slid off track on Lap 8.

 

The top six from the WorldWCR Race 1: Full results here!

1. Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR)

2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +4.657s

3. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +7.774s

4. Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) +15.214s

5. Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) +15.272s

6. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +15.313s

Fastest lap: Maria Herrera – 1’52.685s, new lap record

 

WorldWCR returns on Sunday at 14:00! (Local Time UTC +1)Catch all of the WorldWCR throughout 2026 by subscribing to theWorldWCR YouTube channel and following the Championship on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook!

WSBK: Bulega Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position In Portugal

Mathilde Gasnier
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WSBK: Bulega Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position In Portugal

Nicolo Bulega took pole position during World Superbike Superpole qualifying Saturday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R, Bulega recorded a lap time of 1:38.495, which was not only good enough to top the 22-rider field and secure pole position it also eclipsed Toprak Razgatlioglu’s 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:39.081.

His teammate, Iker Lecuona qualified second with a 1:38.637. 

Yari Montelli did a 1:38.933 on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R to earn the third and final spot on the front row.

Row two starters include ROKiT BMW’s Miguel Oliveira (1:39.068),ELF Marc VDS Ducait’s Sam Lowes (1:39.090), and Pata Maxus Yamaha ’s Xavi Vierge (1:39.139).

Danilo Petrucci finished 9th with a time of 1:39.254 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR. 

American Garrett Gerloff qualified 13th with a 1:39.593 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

 

wsbk qp

 

 

More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

LEAVING IT LATE: Bulega snatches pole from teammate Lecuona with final Superpole lap at Portimao.It’s an all-Ducati front-row with Montella joining Bulega and Lecuona, while home hero Oliveira goes from P4.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) denied teammate Iker Lecuona pole position at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve with his final lap in the Tissot Superpole session in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The #11 obliterated the last record, as did Lecuona, to secure pole position for the Pirelli Portuguese Round.

THE FIRST RUN: Lecuona sets the benchmark

After topping FP3 this morning, Lecuona was quick out of the traps in in the 15-minute session as he immediately broke the all-time lap record with a 1’39.077s, beating teammate Bulega by 0.100s, although reduced that gap to 0.039s on his second lap. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) slotted into P3 with a 1’39.252s on his first lap with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) in fourth. However, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) took an alternative strategy, leaving the pits later than his rivals, and he moved into a provisional P5.

 

Nicolo Bulega (on the left) and Iker Lecuona (on the right) in the parc fermé at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK

 

DENIED AT THE END: Bulega snatches pole from Lecuona

Lecuona was the first rider to start his second stint in the final five minutes, and he went even faster: he was four tenths quicker in the first half of the lap and maintained that to post a 1’38.637s, laying down a huge marker for his rivals; his time was four tenths quicker than the previous lap record. It looked like it would net him a second pole position, but Bulega went 0.142s quicker on his final lap to set a 1’38.495s to secure back-to-back poles to start the 2026 season. Bulega is the first Italian rider to have more than 10 pole positions, with the #11 taking his 11th pole. He’s the first Ducati rider to start a campaign with back-to-back poles since Carlos Checa in 2011, and the first overall since Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2023. For Lecuona, it’s his first front row since he was on pole in Barcelona in 2022, a wait of three years, six months and three days – the fifth-longest gap in WorldSBK history. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was the final rider in the 1’38s bracket as he secured a second front row start; he had none in 2025 and has two from two in 2026.

SECOND ROW FOR THE HOME HERO: Oliveira P4, Sam Lowes and Vierge on Row 2

Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had been running in a provisional front row placing but was forced to settle for the second row, 0.573s away from Bulega’s incredible result. However, it’s worth noting he was faster than the previous lap record which was set by BMW’s Razgatlioglu. Sam Lowes maintained P5 after posting a 1’39.090s, ahead of Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) who secured a second row start as the lead Yamaha rider for Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race.

ROUNDING OUT THE TOP TEN: Alex Lowes joined by Baldassarri and Petrucci

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) will perhaps feel he could’ve been higher up the grid after his pace on Friday, but he will go from the third row. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) will join the #22 on Row 3 as he claimed eighth with Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completing the top ten.

 

The top six from WorldSBK Superpole, full results here:

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’38.495s

2. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.142s

3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.438s

4. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.573s

5. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.595s

6. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.644s

 

Don’t miss Race 1 from Portimao at 15:30 Local Time (UTC+0) using the comprehensive WorldSBK VideoPass!

WorldSBK: Lecuona Tops Final Practice In Portugal

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
WorldSBK: Lecuona Tops Final Practice In Portugal

Iker Lecuona led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 3 (FP3) Saturday morning at Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track in 1:39.186 to lead the field of 22 riders.

Yari Montella was second-best with a 1:39.605 on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R. 

Miguel Oliveira was third with a 1:39.622 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR. 

American Garrett Gerloff was 9th with a time of 1:40.248 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

Danilo Petrucci was 12th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR. 

 

fp3 wsbk

 

 

More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

Lecuona closes in on Portimao lap record as he tops FP3 ahead of Montella and home hero Oliveira. The #7 set a 1’39.186s, around a tenth away from the Superpole lap record, to top FP3 ahead; the first session he’s topped for Ducati.

Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) set the pace in Free Practice 3 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship by more than four tenths ahead of his rivals at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. The #7 was quick on Friday and backed that up on Saturday morning at the Pirelli Portuguese Round as he headed Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who had a crash late in the session.

Lecuona posted a 1’39.186s as he claimed P1 in the 20-minute session to secure P1 for the first time in his Ducati career, and his pace was just a tenth away from Toprak Razgatlioglu’s pole lap record from last year, when he set a 1’39.081s. He was 0.419s clear of Montella in second place with Portuguese star Oliveira in third, although he fell victim to the tricky Turn 5 hairpin with a few minutes remaining in the session. He had a lowside crash after running slightly wide at the hairpin before coming off his bike. Nevertheless, he set a 1’39.622s to secure P3.

Championship leader Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fourth after setting a 1’39.795s, with the #11 saying on Friday that he ‘couldn’t push how he wanted’. He was ahead of Friday pacesetter Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in fifth, with Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) in sixth. The #97 had been running as high as P2 when he started his time attacks, but was demoted to P6. However, he was able to lap in the 1’39s as he set a 1’39.893s.

Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) has enjoyed plenty of success at Portimao and will aim to keep that going this season, with the two-time WorldSBK Champion finishing in P7 after he set a 1’40.006s. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was eighth ahead of Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) and Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing), with the Brit rounding out the top ten.

 

The top six from WorldSBK FP3, full results here:

1. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’39.186s

2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.419s

3. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.436s

4. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.609s

5. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.632s

6. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.707s

 

Next up, Tissot Superpole! Catch all action LIVE and UNINTERRUPTED at 11:10 Local Time (UTC+0) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

MotoGP: More From Friday At The Red Bull USGP At COTA

Michael Gougis
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MotoGP: More From Friday At The Red Bull USGP At COTA

In the morning MotoGP session at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The United States, Ducati Lenovo’s Marc Marquez lost the front just as he touched the gas coming over the crest of Turn 10 and hit the ground at just under 120 mph and plowed into the Roadracing World Action Fund-supplied Alpina soft barriers. Bruised and sore, he went back out and within a couple of laps regained his rhythm, he said. In the afternoon, he was quickest, and showed up at the post-session media conference with bandages on both arms. The surface at COTA changes from year to year, and Marquez says he was caught out by new bumps that had emerged there and elsewhere on the track.

 

Ai Ogura (79). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

There were nine crashes in Friday’s afternoon session. Trackhouse Racing’s Ai Ogura hit the deck, but scuffed leathers and all, he finished the day as the top Aprilia rider, second overall and only 0.053-second behind Marquez.

 

Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Coming off of a double podium in Brazil, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio was consistently quick all day and finished the afternoon session third.

 

Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi took his factory Aprilia to fourth on Friday afternoon after working in the morning session on tire wear and data. While he did three runs in the morning, he did them all on the same set of medium front and rear Michelin slicks and finished ninth.

 

Alex Marquez (73) leads Jack Miller (43) on Friday afternoon at Circuit of The Americas. Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Alex Marquez was another of the crashers in the afternoon session but looked more comfortable aboard his 2026-spec Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26. Running the latest equipment means spending more time optimizing it, and Alex Marquez seems to be coming to terms with riding a bike that is still being developed.

 

Joe Roberts (16). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

American Joe Roberts finished the afternoon Moto2 session in 10th place, almost exactly a second off of the quickest time.

 

Jake Lewis (85). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup got off to a quiet start, with only nine riders taking to the track in the series’ inaugural event. And the locals were unable to convert the home court advantage to their favor, with Jake Lewis the quickest of the U.S. riders. On his Saddlemen Racing Development machine, Lewis finished qualifying in fourth, 2.1 seconds behind Eric Granado.

 

Enea Bastiannini (23). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Maverick Vinales withdrew from the event because a screw in his left shoulder had come loose. His Red Bull KTM Tech3 teammate Enea Bastiannini crashed twice in the afternoon session but still finished 10th-quickest and transfered directly to final qualifying for the first time since Barcelona in 2025.

 

Kensei Matsudaira (74). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Kensei Matsudaira led the first Talent Cup session, dropped to fourth in the second and finished the day by qualifying in second place, just behind Nathan Gouker. Jake Paige was third-quickest in qualifying but was penalized a position for an alleged track limits violation, bumping him back to fourth and moving San Drane up into third. Reese Frankenfield qualified fifth-quickest.

MotoAmerica: Gouker On Talent Cup Pole At COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoAmerica: Gouker On Talent Cup Pole At COTA

Nathan Gouker earned pole position during MotoAmerica Talent Cup qualifying Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Quarterley Racing Kramer APX-350 MA on Dunlop control tires, Gouker covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:27.429, topping the field of 14 riders.

Kensei Matsudaira was the best of the rest with a 2:27.664 on his Team Roberts Kramer APX-350 MA.

Sam Drane was third with a lap time of 2:27.880 on his Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing Kramer APX-350 MA.

 

 

 

 

More from a press release issued by Phillip Gouker:

Nathan Gouker Claims Pole Position at COTA During Premier MotoAmerica / MotoGP Weekend.

AUSTIN, TX — March 27, 2026 — Nathan delivered a standout performance at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) today, securing pole position during qualifying in one of the most competitive race weekends of the season, sharing the stage alongside MotoGP.

Facing a deep and talented field on the world-class Texas circuit, Nathan executed a near-perfect lap to claim the top starting spot. His performance highlighted both his growing confidence and the strength of the team as they compete on one of the biggest platforms in road racing.

“Getting pole at COTA is huge,” said Nathan. “This track is one of the toughest we race, and to do it on a weekend like this, with MotoGP here, makes it even more meaningful. The Quarterley Racing Team has worked incredibly hard this weekend giving me a competitive bike, and the bike felt amazing out there.”

Circuit of the Americas is widely regarded as one of North America’s most technical tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, a mix of high-speed sections, and tight, demanding corners. Nathan’s qualifying lap demonstrated exceptional pace and control, positioning him as a strong contender heading into race day tomorrow.

The team would like to extend a sincere thank you to its valued partners and sponsors for their continued support: Wrench Motorcycle, Warhorse Racing, CP Motorsports, Fast By Ferracci, Cornerspin, KYT Americas, VO2 Leathers, Precision Track Days, Essex Moto, Accossato Racing, Fast Glass Media, LeJune Motorsports, Busters Speed Shop, Identity Custom Signage, 64 Degree Racing, Carolina Supermoto, VIR Kart Track, Daniels Tire, and Ride Supermoto. Their commitment plays a vital role in the team’s success on and off the track.

 

With pole-position secured, Nathan and the team now shift focus to race day, aiming to convert strong qualifying pace into a podium result at COTA.

H-D Bagger World Cup: Granado On Pole at COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
H-D Bagger World Cup: Granado On Pole at COTA

Eric Granado earned pole position during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Qualifying session Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Brazilian covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:12.387, topping the field of 9 riders.

His teammate, Archie Mcdonald was the best of the rest with a 2:12.804.

Oscar Gutierrez claimed the third and final spot on the front  with a lap time of 2:13.710 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.

Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Jake Lewis (2:14.527), Travis Wyman (2:15.178), and Cory West (2:15.269) finished 4th, 5th, and 6th respectively.

Cody Wyman was 8 with a time of 2:16.090 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.

 

MotoAmerica: Gouker Quickest in Talent Cup FP2 At COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoAmerica: Gouker Quickest in Talent Cup FP2 At COTA

Nathan Gouker was quickest during MotoAmerica Talent Cup Free Practice 2 Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Quarterley Racing Kramer APX-350 MA on Dunlop control tires, Gouker covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:27.710, topping the field of 14 riders.

Jake Paige was the best of the rest with a 2:27.996 on his Team Hammer Kramer APX-350 MA.

Sam Drane was third with a lap time of 2:28.249 on his Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing Kramer APX-350 MA.

 

MotoGP: M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon at COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP: M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon at COTA

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the seven-time World Champion turned a lap time of 2:00.927 to lead the 21-rider field.

Ai Ogura was the best of the rest with a 2:00.980 on his Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third at 2:01.114 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Marco Bezzecchi finished the session fourth with a 2:01.127 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Alex Marquez, riding his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP26, got fifth with a lap time of 2:01.213.

 

practice motogp

 

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Marc Marquez bounces back to go fastest on Friday, Ogura on the chase. The #93 ends the day fastest at a signature track despite his FP1 tumble – with the Aprilia charge led by Ogura in Texas, just 0.053 off the top.

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) suffered a fast off in FP1 at the Red Bull GP of the United States, but come the end of play on Friday the seven-time MotoGP Champion was back on top at a venue he’s called his own more than any other rider. That said, it was a close-run day on the timesheets, with Ai Ogura – for home team Trackhouse MotoGP Team – just 0.053 off the top. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) takes P3 on Friday, 0.187 off Marc Marquez at the top.

After Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) stole the show in the morning at the top and Marc Marquez the headlines with his crash – rider ok – there was plenty at stake on Friday afternoon. There were nine crashes overall: Diggia, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), two for Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Ogura, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) in the first half hour, before the clock ticked down and only Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) slid out late on.

By the end of the classic end of session charge for the top, Marc Marquez was back on top – but Ogura’s lap did run him close. Both were set late in the session, with the Aprilia just 0.053 off. Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was forced to settle for fourth on Friday – although just 0.013 off Diggia, who had breifly sat top of the session before the #93 turned up the wick, in third.

Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) slots into fifth, with Acosta taking sixth on Day 1. Martin, despite his crash, takes seventh ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and Bastianini. For Bastianini, it’s his first time straight to Q2 since the 2025 Catalan GP – when he also took a podium on Sunday.

Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) is the first to just miss the cut in P11, with Binder another high-profile name down the order after his late crash – the #33 taking 19 on Friday.

There’s another chance for two more riders to move through to Q2 in qualifying on Saturday morning so make sure to tune in for more MotoGP on super Saturday at the Red Bull US GP!

MotoGP Practice results from Austin!

Moto2: Arbolino Tops Final Practice At COTA

Tony Arbolino (14) at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Tony Arbolino was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Pirelli-shod REDS Fantic Racing Kalex on the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track, the Italian recorded a 2:06.159 to lead the field of 28 riders.

Senna Agius was the best of the rest with a 2:06.369 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex.

Alonso Lopez was third-fastest with a 2:06.402 on his Italjet Gresini Moto2.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 11th with a best time of 2:07.066 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

moto2 fp2

Moto3: Carpe Heads Saturday Practice At COTA

Alvaro Carpe (83) during FP2 at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis

Alvaro Carpe led Moto3 World Championship practice Saturday morning, at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. The Spaniard used his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo machine to lap the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track in 2:13.190, which led the field of 25 riders and broke Maximo Quiles’s All-Time Lap Record of 2:13.757 he set yesterday during the practice session. 

Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Valentin Perrone was second-best with a time of 2:13.280.

Joel Esteban, piloting his Level Up MTA KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:13.349.

 

fp2 moto3

WorldWCR: Race One Results From Portimao

Paola Ramos (58) and Beatriz Neila (36) during the Race 1. Photo courtesy WorldSBK

Maria Herrera won FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Race 1 Saturday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera won the 11-lap race by 4.657 seconds.

Paola Ramos was the runner-up on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7, and Beatriz Neila got third on her Ampito Crescent Yamaha YZF-R7.

American Mallory Dobbs got 23rd on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7.

 

wwcr race1

 

 

More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

Herrera kicks off 2026 in charge with WorldWCR rookie Ramos giving chase behind her. Three WorldWCR season openers, three Herrera wins as the #6 starts her season strong once again.

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship got their 2026 season underway as the first points of the Pirelli Portuguese Round were up for grabs in their Race 1. Saturday afternoon saw Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) again kick off her season from the top of the podium for her 13th career win in the category. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) sees silver in her first race as a permanent grid rider in WorldWCR, and 2025 runner-up Beatriz Nelia (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) takes her 17th career podium in third place in the season’s first contest.

WorldWCR’S SECOND-BIGGEST WINNING MARGIN EVER: Only the third race in the category to be decided by more than a second

Herrera flew off the line and quickly established a gap of more than six-tenths ahead of Neila and the rest of the grid. By the start of the second lap, that lead had already ballooned up to +1.511s. She set a new WorldWCR Race lap record of 1’52.685s on Lap 4 as she continued to run away with the contest. With her win, Herrera has won more than half of all the 25 WorldWCR races ever run. Behind her, Ramos and Neila sparred for P2, and by Lap 5, they were nearly three seconds ahead of the rest of the grid. The pair went head-to-head for what surely won’t be the last time this season. In this confrontation, the rookie came out on top, beating Neila by more than three seconds. Ramos’s P2 marks her first podium as a permanent rider, but already her second podium after her wild card Grand Slam at Jerez last year. Neila’s P3 spells her 15th rostrum in a row, prolonging her all-time record streak.

FREE-FOR-ALL FOR FOURTH: Only eight-tenths split P4 from P9

Behind the group fighting for the podium, it was a wrestling match for fourth through tenth place; Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team), Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa), Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team), Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha), Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team), Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team), and Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) all rode with a knife between their teeth to take all the points they could from the season opener. In the early running. For most of the race, Cerba, Boudesseul, and Ponziani clashed at the head of their group. As the pack fought doggedly for every position and riders nudged each other aside, the order shuffled wildly even in the final laps. The #94 led the group across the line to take P4, followed by Sanchez in P5, and Ponziani in P6.

CERPA SHINES IN ROOKIE DEBUT: lands P9, one of seven Spaniards in the top 10

While her P7 finish doesn’t quite tell the story of how competitive Ruiz was in her 2026 debut, she has many positives to take away from the race. Natalia Rivera takes home P8 to open her season, both she and Ruiz promoted up a position after Yvonne Cerba was applied a three-second Irresponsible Riding Penalty by FIM WorldSBK Stewards, who was subsequently shuffled to P9. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) closed out the top 10, as her pace trailed off in the later laps from the group she fought with in the early running.

RACE 1 CRASHERS: Two riders tumble on Turn 5

American rider Mallory Dobbs (YVS Sabadell Diva Racing) saw her race end after only five corners as she crashed out on the first lap. Four laps later, Turn 5 saw another crasher in the form of British rider Katie Hand (Team Trasimeno). Later on, Emily Bondi (FT Racing Academy) saw gravel on Turn 8 after the front gave out, and she slid off track on Lap 8.

 

The top six from the WorldWCR Race 1: Full results here!

1. Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR)

2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +4.657s

3. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +7.774s

4. Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) +15.214s

5. Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) +15.272s

6. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +15.313s

Fastest lap: Maria Herrera – 1’52.685s, new lap record

 

WorldWCR returns on Sunday at 14:00! (Local Time UTC +1)Catch all of the WorldWCR throughout 2026 by subscribing to theWorldWCR YouTube channel and following the Championship on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook!

WSBK: Bulega Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position In Portugal

Nicolo Bulega (11) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Aruba Ducati Team

Nicolo Bulega took pole position during World Superbike Superpole qualifying Saturday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R, Bulega recorded a lap time of 1:38.495, which was not only good enough to top the 22-rider field and secure pole position it also eclipsed Toprak Razgatlioglu’s 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:39.081.

His teammate, Iker Lecuona qualified second with a 1:38.637. 

Yari Montelli did a 1:38.933 on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R to earn the third and final spot on the front row.

Row two starters include ROKiT BMW’s Miguel Oliveira (1:39.068),ELF Marc VDS Ducait’s Sam Lowes (1:39.090), and Pata Maxus Yamaha ’s Xavi Vierge (1:39.139).

Danilo Petrucci finished 9th with a time of 1:39.254 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR. 

American Garrett Gerloff qualified 13th with a 1:39.593 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

 

wsbk qp

 

 

More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

LEAVING IT LATE: Bulega snatches pole from teammate Lecuona with final Superpole lap at Portimao.It’s an all-Ducati front-row with Montella joining Bulega and Lecuona, while home hero Oliveira goes from P4.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) denied teammate Iker Lecuona pole position at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve with his final lap in the Tissot Superpole session in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The #11 obliterated the last record, as did Lecuona, to secure pole position for the Pirelli Portuguese Round.

THE FIRST RUN: Lecuona sets the benchmark

After topping FP3 this morning, Lecuona was quick out of the traps in in the 15-minute session as he immediately broke the all-time lap record with a 1’39.077s, beating teammate Bulega by 0.100s, although reduced that gap to 0.039s on his second lap. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) slotted into P3 with a 1’39.252s on his first lap with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) in fourth. However, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) took an alternative strategy, leaving the pits later than his rivals, and he moved into a provisional P5.

 

Nicolo Bulega (on the left) and Iker Lecuona (on the right) in the parc fermé at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK

 

DENIED AT THE END: Bulega snatches pole from Lecuona

Lecuona was the first rider to start his second stint in the final five minutes, and he went even faster: he was four tenths quicker in the first half of the lap and maintained that to post a 1’38.637s, laying down a huge marker for his rivals; his time was four tenths quicker than the previous lap record. It looked like it would net him a second pole position, but Bulega went 0.142s quicker on his final lap to set a 1’38.495s to secure back-to-back poles to start the 2026 season. Bulega is the first Italian rider to have more than 10 pole positions, with the #11 taking his 11th pole. He’s the first Ducati rider to start a campaign with back-to-back poles since Carlos Checa in 2011, and the first overall since Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2023. For Lecuona, it’s his first front row since he was on pole in Barcelona in 2022, a wait of three years, six months and three days – the fifth-longest gap in WorldSBK history. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was the final rider in the 1’38s bracket as he secured a second front row start; he had none in 2025 and has two from two in 2026.

SECOND ROW FOR THE HOME HERO: Oliveira P4, Sam Lowes and Vierge on Row 2

Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) had been running in a provisional front row placing but was forced to settle for the second row, 0.573s away from Bulega’s incredible result. However, it’s worth noting he was faster than the previous lap record which was set by BMW’s Razgatlioglu. Sam Lowes maintained P5 after posting a 1’39.090s, ahead of Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) who secured a second row start as the lead Yamaha rider for Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race.

ROUNDING OUT THE TOP TEN: Alex Lowes joined by Baldassarri and Petrucci

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) will perhaps feel he could’ve been higher up the grid after his pace on Friday, but he will go from the third row. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) will join the #22 on Row 3 as he claimed eighth with Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completing the top ten.

 

The top six from WorldSBK Superpole, full results here:

1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’38.495s

2. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.142s

3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.438s

4. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.573s

5. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.595s

6. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.644s

 

Don’t miss Race 1 from Portimao at 15:30 Local Time (UTC+0) using the comprehensive WorldSBK VideoPass!

WorldSBK: Lecuona Tops Final Practice In Portugal

Iker Lecuona (7) during FP3 at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK

Iker Lecuona led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 3 (FP3) Saturday morning at Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track in 1:39.186 to lead the field of 22 riders.

Yari Montella was second-best with a 1:39.605 on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Panigale V4R. 

Miguel Oliveira was third with a 1:39.622 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR. 

American Garrett Gerloff was 9th with a time of 1:40.248 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

Danilo Petrucci was 12th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR. 

 

fp3 wsbk

 

 

More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

Lecuona closes in on Portimao lap record as he tops FP3 ahead of Montella and home hero Oliveira. The #7 set a 1’39.186s, around a tenth away from the Superpole lap record, to top FP3 ahead; the first session he’s topped for Ducati.

Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) set the pace in Free Practice 3 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship by more than four tenths ahead of his rivals at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. The #7 was quick on Friday and backed that up on Saturday morning at the Pirelli Portuguese Round as he headed Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who had a crash late in the session.

Lecuona posted a 1’39.186s as he claimed P1 in the 20-minute session to secure P1 for the first time in his Ducati career, and his pace was just a tenth away from Toprak Razgatlioglu’s pole lap record from last year, when he set a 1’39.081s. He was 0.419s clear of Montella in second place with Portuguese star Oliveira in third, although he fell victim to the tricky Turn 5 hairpin with a few minutes remaining in the session. He had a lowside crash after running slightly wide at the hairpin before coming off his bike. Nevertheless, he set a 1’39.622s to secure P3.

Championship leader Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fourth after setting a 1’39.795s, with the #11 saying on Friday that he ‘couldn’t push how he wanted’. He was ahead of Friday pacesetter Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in fifth, with Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) in sixth. The #97 had been running as high as P2 when he started his time attacks, but was demoted to P6. However, he was able to lap in the 1’39s as he set a 1’39.893s.

Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) has enjoyed plenty of success at Portimao and will aim to keep that going this season, with the two-time WorldSBK Champion finishing in P7 after he set a 1’40.006s. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was eighth ahead of Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) and Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing), with the Brit rounding out the top ten.

 

The top six from WorldSBK FP3, full results here:

1. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’39.186s

2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.419s

3. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.436s

4. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.609s

5. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.632s

6. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.707s

 

Next up, Tissot Superpole! Catch all action LIVE and UNINTERRUPTED at 11:10 Local Time (UTC+0) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

MotoGP: More From Friday At The Red Bull USGP At COTA

Marc Marquez (93) leads Jorge Martin (89) at Circuit of The Americas. Photo by Michael Gougis.

In the morning MotoGP session at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The United States, Ducati Lenovo’s Marc Marquez lost the front just as he touched the gas coming over the crest of Turn 10 and hit the ground at just under 120 mph and plowed into the Roadracing World Action Fund-supplied Alpina soft barriers. Bruised and sore, he went back out and within a couple of laps regained his rhythm, he said. In the afternoon, he was quickest, and showed up at the post-session media conference with bandages on both arms. The surface at COTA changes from year to year, and Marquez says he was caught out by new bumps that had emerged there and elsewhere on the track.

 

Ai Ogura (79). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

There were nine crashes in Friday’s afternoon session. Trackhouse Racing’s Ai Ogura hit the deck, but scuffed leathers and all, he finished the day as the top Aprilia rider, second overall and only 0.053-second behind Marquez.

 

Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Coming off of a double podium in Brazil, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio was consistently quick all day and finished the afternoon session third.

 

Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi took his factory Aprilia to fourth on Friday afternoon after working in the morning session on tire wear and data. While he did three runs in the morning, he did them all on the same set of medium front and rear Michelin slicks and finished ninth.

 

Alex Marquez (73) leads Jack Miller (43) on Friday afternoon at Circuit of The Americas. Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Alex Marquez was another of the crashers in the afternoon session but looked more comfortable aboard his 2026-spec Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26. Running the latest equipment means spending more time optimizing it, and Alex Marquez seems to be coming to terms with riding a bike that is still being developed.

 

Joe Roberts (16). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

American Joe Roberts finished the afternoon Moto2 session in 10th place, almost exactly a second off of the quickest time.

 

Jake Lewis (85). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup got off to a quiet start, with only nine riders taking to the track in the series’ inaugural event. And the locals were unable to convert the home court advantage to their favor, with Jake Lewis the quickest of the U.S. riders. On his Saddlemen Racing Development machine, Lewis finished qualifying in fourth, 2.1 seconds behind Eric Granado.

 

Enea Bastiannini (23). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Maverick Vinales withdrew from the event because a screw in his left shoulder had come loose. His Red Bull KTM Tech3 teammate Enea Bastiannini crashed twice in the afternoon session but still finished 10th-quickest and transfered directly to final qualifying for the first time since Barcelona in 2025.

 

Kensei Matsudaira (74). Photo by Michael Gougis.

 

Kensei Matsudaira led the first Talent Cup session, dropped to fourth in the second and finished the day by qualifying in second place, just behind Nathan Gouker. Jake Paige was third-quickest in qualifying but was penalized a position for an alleged track limits violation, bumping him back to fourth and moving San Drane up into third. Reese Frankenfield qualified fifth-quickest.

MotoAmerica: Gouker On Talent Cup Pole At COTA

Nathan Gouker (19) during QP at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Nathan Gouker earned pole position during MotoAmerica Talent Cup qualifying Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Quarterley Racing Kramer APX-350 MA on Dunlop control tires, Gouker covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:27.429, topping the field of 14 riders.

Kensei Matsudaira was the best of the rest with a 2:27.664 on his Team Roberts Kramer APX-350 MA.

Sam Drane was third with a lap time of 2:27.880 on his Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing Kramer APX-350 MA.

 

 

 

 

More from a press release issued by Phillip Gouker:

Nathan Gouker Claims Pole Position at COTA During Premier MotoAmerica / MotoGP Weekend.

AUSTIN, TX — March 27, 2026 — Nathan delivered a standout performance at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) today, securing pole position during qualifying in one of the most competitive race weekends of the season, sharing the stage alongside MotoGP.

Facing a deep and talented field on the world-class Texas circuit, Nathan executed a near-perfect lap to claim the top starting spot. His performance highlighted both his growing confidence and the strength of the team as they compete on one of the biggest platforms in road racing.

“Getting pole at COTA is huge,” said Nathan. “This track is one of the toughest we race, and to do it on a weekend like this, with MotoGP here, makes it even more meaningful. The Quarterley Racing Team has worked incredibly hard this weekend giving me a competitive bike, and the bike felt amazing out there.”

Circuit of the Americas is widely regarded as one of North America’s most technical tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, a mix of high-speed sections, and tight, demanding corners. Nathan’s qualifying lap demonstrated exceptional pace and control, positioning him as a strong contender heading into race day tomorrow.

The team would like to extend a sincere thank you to its valued partners and sponsors for their continued support: Wrench Motorcycle, Warhorse Racing, CP Motorsports, Fast By Ferracci, Cornerspin, KYT Americas, VO2 Leathers, Precision Track Days, Essex Moto, Accossato Racing, Fast Glass Media, LeJune Motorsports, Busters Speed Shop, Identity Custom Signage, 64 Degree Racing, Carolina Supermoto, VIR Kart Track, Daniels Tire, and Ride Supermoto. Their commitment plays a vital role in the team’s success on and off the track.

 

With pole-position secured, Nathan and the team now shift focus to race day, aiming to convert strong qualifying pace into a podium result at COTA.

H-D Bagger World Cup: Granado On Pole at COTA

Eric Granada (51) claims pole position at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Eric Granado earned pole position during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Qualifying session Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Brazilian covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:12.387, topping the field of 9 riders.

His teammate, Archie Mcdonald was the best of the rest with a 2:12.804.

Oscar Gutierrez claimed the third and final spot on the front  with a lap time of 2:13.710 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.

Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Jake Lewis (2:14.527), Travis Wyman (2:15.178), and Cory West (2:15.269) finished 4th, 5th, and 6th respectively.

Cody Wyman was 8 with a time of 2:16.090 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.

 

MotoAmerica: Gouker Quickest in Talent Cup FP2 At COTA

Nathan Gouker (19) during FP2 at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Nathan Gouker was quickest during MotoAmerica Talent Cup Free Practice 2 Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Quarterley Racing Kramer APX-350 MA on Dunlop control tires, Gouker covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:27.710, topping the field of 14 riders.

Jake Paige was the best of the rest with a 2:27.996 on his Team Hammer Kramer APX-350 MA.

Sam Drane was third with a lap time of 2:28.249 on his Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing Kramer APX-350 MA.

 

MotoGP: M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon at COTA

Marc Marquez (93) during the Practice session at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the seven-time World Champion turned a lap time of 2:00.927 to lead the 21-rider field.

Ai Ogura was the best of the rest with a 2:00.980 on his Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third at 2:01.114 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Marco Bezzecchi finished the session fourth with a 2:01.127 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Alex Marquez, riding his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP26, got fifth with a lap time of 2:01.213.

 

practice motogp

 

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Marc Marquez bounces back to go fastest on Friday, Ogura on the chase. The #93 ends the day fastest at a signature track despite his FP1 tumble – with the Aprilia charge led by Ogura in Texas, just 0.053 off the top.

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) suffered a fast off in FP1 at the Red Bull GP of the United States, but come the end of play on Friday the seven-time MotoGP Champion was back on top at a venue he’s called his own more than any other rider. That said, it was a close-run day on the timesheets, with Ai Ogura – for home team Trackhouse MotoGP Team – just 0.053 off the top. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) takes P3 on Friday, 0.187 off Marc Marquez at the top.

After Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) stole the show in the morning at the top and Marc Marquez the headlines with his crash – rider ok – there was plenty at stake on Friday afternoon. There were nine crashes overall: Diggia, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), two for Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Ogura, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) in the first half hour, before the clock ticked down and only Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) slid out late on.

By the end of the classic end of session charge for the top, Marc Marquez was back on top – but Ogura’s lap did run him close. Both were set late in the session, with the Aprilia just 0.053 off. Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was forced to settle for fourth on Friday – although just 0.013 off Diggia, who had breifly sat top of the session before the #93 turned up the wick, in third.

Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) slots into fifth, with Acosta taking sixth on Day 1. Martin, despite his crash, takes seventh ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and Bastianini. For Bastianini, it’s his first time straight to Q2 since the 2025 Catalan GP – when he also took a podium on Sunday.

Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) is the first to just miss the cut in P11, with Binder another high-profile name down the order after his late crash – the #33 taking 19 on Friday.

There’s another chance for two more riders to move through to Q2 in qualifying on Saturday morning so make sure to tune in for more MotoGP on super Saturday at the Red Bull US GP!

MotoGP Practice results from Austin!

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