MotoGP: M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon at Sachsenring

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 10, 2026

MotoGP: M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon at Sachsenring

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on spec Michelin tires, Marquez turned a lap time of 1:19.394 around the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) track and led the 21-rider field.

Raul Fernandez was the best of the rest with a 1:19.560 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third at 1:19.674 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Alex Marquez finished the session fourth with a 1:19.711 on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Jack Miller was fifth with a lap time of 1:19.841 on his Prima Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1 V4.

MotoGP practice Germany

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Marc Marquez asserts Sachsenring strength with Friday P1. The reigning World Champion fired in a flurry of late laps to give his opposition something to ponder going into Sprint Saturday.

King of the Ring with nine wins and topping Friday Practice, evidence points towards Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) making it a perfect ten this weekend as he fired in a 1’19.394. The #93 was in P1 ahead of Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) clinched third.

FIRST LAPS: Practice ignites in Germany

With the opening laps bagged, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) led the charge ahead of Sachsenring specialist Marc Marquez and brother Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). As the session ticked by, there was an incident involving Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), with the Italian slowing on the racing line and impeding the #37 at Turn 7.

30 MINS ON THE CLOCK: Q2 placings up for grabs, changes aplenty

Into the second half of the session and there were some movements up inside the top ten, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) elevating himself into P9 and then a mighty lap from Cal Crutchlow (CASTROL Honda LCR) to put the Brit into P10. It was short-lived as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) replaced him in tenth. Di Giannantonio, Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Honda HRC Castrol duo Luca Marini and Joan Mir were also all improvers to switch up the top ten, leaving the likes of Acosta and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) out of provisional Q2 slots.

PLENTY OF CHANGE: #93 on a mission, Diggia fast

Less than 15 minutes on the clock, the times flooded in and so did the first 1’19 of the day and there’re no prizes for who set it… Marc Marquez was on a mission but it was matched by Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), the Australian setting an identical time. Then, it was Diggia’s turn as the #49 slammed in a 1’19.674 before Alex Marquez slotted in behind the Italian. Things were heating up nicely for a final roll of the dice with five minutes on the clock.

FRIDAY TOP 10: deciding moments in closing stages

Having been knocked off top spot, the reigning World Champion wasn’t going to have it happen again and he fired in a 1’19.394 to takeover in P1. Fernandez also set a fast time, putting him second, just ahead of Di Giannantonio. Alex Marquez held onto fourth whilst Miller was superb to put him and Yamaha P5 and directly into Q2. The Australian was 0.065s ahead of Dutch GP winner Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) with Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), Acosta and Morbidelli rounding out the top ten.

FACING Q1: Bagnaia misses the cut

A late crash for Bastianini means that the #23 will go into Q2 and is joined by Pecco Bagnaia, who couldn’t get it hooked up for a top ten placing on Friday afternoon. Quartararo, Marini and Mir will also face the Q1 music, with just over a second covering P11 to P21. Two spots up for grabs, no easy pickings as to who will graduate.

MotoGP Practice results from the Sachsenring!

Moto2: Guevara Quickest Friday Afternoon At Sachsenring

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 10, 2026

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Moto2: Guevara Quickest Friday Afternoon At Sachsenring

Izan Guevara led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:22.260 topping the field of 27 riders.

Ivan Ortola was second-best with a time of 1:22.296 on his QJMOTOR -R.O.M.E.A – MSI Kalex.

David Alonso did a third-fastest 1:22.475 on his CFMOTO Azul Marino Aspar Team Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 11th with a best time of 1:22.916 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Moto2 practice Germany

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Guevara fastest as championship frontrunners set the pace in Germany. The top four in the title race make a quick start to Moto2 proceedings at the Sachsenring, but Vietti is a big name heading for Q1.

A very early new Moto2 Sachsenring lap record from Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2), a 1:22.260, saw the Spaniard set the pace on the opening day of action in Germany, with compatriot Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – R.O.M.E.A – MSI) the #28’s closest challenger. 0.036s split the pair, while Dutch GP winner David Alonso (CFMOTO Azul Marino Aspar Team) completed the top three.

And it’s the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP duo, at the Liqui Moly Grand Prix of Germany, who end Friday in P4 and P5 – Senna Agius finishing one place ahead of teammate and World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez by 0.005s. Job done in terms of Q2 entry, but both will want to see the three-tenth deficit reduce by Saturday afternoon.

The returning Mario Aji (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) did well to gain Q2 promotion in P13, one place behind MotoGP-bound Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Azul Marino Aspar Team), but a big name to miss out on a Friday Q2 spot was Celestino Vietti (MB Conveyors SpeedRS Team). The Italian ended Practice in P18, 0.897s away from Guevara.

Tune into Moto2 qualifying on Saturday afternoon at the Sachsenring at 13:40 local time (UTC +2).

Moto2 German GP Practice results!

WorldSSP: Booth-Amos Quickest In Opening Practice at Donington

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 10, 2026

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WorldSSP: Booth-Amos Quickest In Opening Practice at Donington

Tom Booth-Amos was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Donington Park, in England. Riding his PTR Triumph Factory Racing Street Triple 765 RS on Pirelli control tires, the Brit covered the 2.50-mile (4.02 km) road course in 1:29.488, topping the field of 34 riders.

Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:29.490 on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate YZF-R9.

Lucas Mahias was third with a lap time of 1:29.623 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 4th with a 1:29.742 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.

WSSP practice Donington

Moto3: Pratama Is Best Friday Afternoon In Germany

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 10, 2026

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Moto3: Pratama Is Best Friday Afternoon In Germany

Veda Pratama led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Honda Team Asia machine on Pirelli control tires, the Indonesian rider lapped the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:25.848 topping the field of 25 riders.

Joel Esteban was second-best with a time of 1:25.856 on his Level UP MTA KTM.

Eddie O’Shea did a third-fastest 1:25.883 on his GRYD Racing Honda.

Classification moto3 practice sachsenring

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Pratama P1 in Moto3 Practice, Quiles faces Q1 after fast crash. The Indonesian was in mighty form whilst the Championship leader tumbled.

A strong Friday afternoon sees Indonesian rookie sensation Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) lead the Moto3 charge at the Sachsenring for the 2026 German GP. The #9 led a field that featured 21 riders covered by less than a second whilst there was major news for Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), who suffered a crash at Turn 7 and didn’t set a lap time, thus finding himself in Q1.

There was big drama at the very start of the session as Championship leader Quiles suffered a highside at Turn 7, barrelling through the gravel. Without a timed lap, his session was done as the bike couldn’t be retrieved and repaired in time. The same would happen for the likes of Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) and Adrian Cruces (CIP GreenPower); Pini highsided, collecting Cruces. Like Quiles, they couldn’t get back out on track and they find themselves in a hotly-contested Q1.

Meanwhile, leading the charge, Pratama was in great form and bounced back well from his Assen disappointment to set the fastest lap of the day. He fended off Joel Esteban (LEVELUP-MTA) who took second and Britain’s Eddie O’Shea (GRYD Racing), who was third on Friday for the second consecutive GP. Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) was fourth and just 0.056s whilst Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) capitalised on Quiles not being able to get a lap bagged and was P5.

Outside the top 14, Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was pushed out late on by Rico Salmela’s (Red Bull KTM Tech3) final flying lap, whilst Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) couldn’t squeeze into Q2 automatically. Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), after an encouraging FP1, likewise struggled to convert it in the afternoon and was just 18^th. Having missed Friday due to illness, David Almansa (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) will also be in Q2 should he take to the track on Saturday morning.

Moto3 Practice results from the Sachsenring!

Moto3: Carpe Quickest In Opening Practice At Sachsenring

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 10, 2026

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Moto3: Carpe Quickest In Opening Practice At Sachsenring

Alvaro Carpe was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:25.996, topping the field of 25 riders.

Valentin Perrone was the best of the rest with a 1:26.184 on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine.

Guido Pini was third with a lap time of 1:26.209 on his Leopard Racing Honda.

Moto3 FP1 Germany

Moto2: Gonzalez Fastest In Opening Practice In Germany

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 10, 2026

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Moto2: Gonzalez Fastest In Opening Practice In Germany

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:22.483, topping the field of 27 riders.

Tony Arbolino was the best of the rest with a 1:22.648 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex.

Gonzalez’s teammate, Senna Agius was third with a lap time of 1:22.695.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 14th with a 1:23.538 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Moto2 FP1 Germany

WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Donington Park

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 10, 2026

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WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Donington Park

Nicolo Bulega was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Donington Park Circuit, in England. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.50-mile (4.02 km) track, the Italian recorded a 1:25.870 to lead the field of 23 riders.

His teammate, Iker Lecuona, was the best of the rest with a 1:25.955.

Sam Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:26.026 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 8th with a 1:26.324 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

WSBK FP1 Donington

More from a press release issued by WSBK:

Bulega pips Lecuona by less than a tenth in FP1 at Donington, Sam Lowes rounds out the top three. It was a Ducati 1-2-3 in the opening session of the weekend as WorldSBK’s UK Round kicked off with FP1.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) started his MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship weekend at Donington Park in the perfect fashion as he claimed first place in Free Practice 1. The Championship leader topped the times at the Prosecco DOC UK Round by less than a tenth ahead of teammate Iker Lecuona, while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) started his home round with a place in the top three.

Despite being a track that Ducati have had less success at than others on the calendar, the Bologna-based manufacturer started the weekend off with a 1-2 in Free Practice 1, headed by Bulega. ‘Bulegas’ set a 1’25.870s as he claimed top spot on the timesheets, just 0.085s ahead of teammate Lecuona. It’s going to be an emotional weekend for Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) following the sad passing of team founder Marc van der Straten last weekend, with the #14 wearing a black helmet in FP1 and removing the traditional orange border from his number. He finished in third place after posting a 1’26.026, just 0.156s away from Bulega.

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was directly behind his twin brother as he finished in fourth after setting a 1’26.102s, with Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) putting in a late lap to move into the top five. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) missed the first part of the session as the team worked on an exhaust valve issue, but he was able to claim P6 with a 1’26.360s.

Montella’s teammate, Alvaro Bautista, had a strong start to the weekend as he claimed seventh in Free Practice 1, posting a 1’26.298s as he lapped 0.428s away from Bulega and less than a tenth away from Montella. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) finished in eighth, less than half-a-second away from P1, with wildcard Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) in ninth; the #65 was the highest-placed Honda rider in FP1. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) rounded out the top ten with a late 1’26.653s.

Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) returned to WorldSBK action but completed just six laps in FP1 after he crashed at Turn 8. The #96 tucked the front of his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP machine at Coppice, ending his session early.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’25.870s
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.085s
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.156s
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.232s
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.324s
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.360s

Watch more WorldSBK action from 15:00 Local Time (UTC+1) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now half price!

MotoGP: Fernandez Heads FP1 In Germany

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 10, 2026

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Raul Fernandez topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Michelin-shod SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26, the Spaniard turned a lap of 1:20.829 around the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) track and led the 21-rider field.

Marc Marquez was second-best with a 1:20.880 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third with a lap of 1:20.936 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Classification Motogp FP1 Germany

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Fernandez pips Marc Marquez to Friday morning top spot in Germany. The SuperFile Trackhouse star ends FP1 in P1 as the reigning Champion and King of the Sachsenring endures a small crash at the start of the weekend.

After pocketing a double podium last time out at ‘The Cathedral of Speed’, Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) made a rapid start to the Liqui Moly Grand Prix of Germany by finishing P1 in MotoGP FP1 with a 1:20.829. The Spaniard finished 0.051s clear of compatriot Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who, despite a crash, ended the session in a close second ahead of third place Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).

It wasn’t the start of the weekend Marc Marquez, aka ‘King of the Sachsenring’, would have been hoping for after the reigning World Champion crashed at Turn 3 with 40 minutes left on the clock. It was a simple enough front-end tip-off that didn’t cause the #93 any problems, with Marquez venturing back out with 31 minutes to go.

Fernandez pipped Marc Marquez to P1 towards the end of the session, as Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) rounded out a top five covered by just 0.171s at the Sachsenring. Close.

World Championship leader Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) had a quiet session in P10, while teammate Marco Bezzecchi was back on track and finished a couple of places higher in P8 following his bruising Assen crash. Elsewhere, Dutch GP winner Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) will no doubt be climbing the pecking order as we go deeper into the weekend – the Japanese star was P18 in FP1.

Another crasher at Turn 3 was Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), with a bump near the second apex clearly causing trouble for some of the world’s best. And speaking of, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) also slid into the gravel in FP1 – but ‘Top Gun’ crashed at the rapid Turn 11 right-hander. Thankfully, the Spaniard was uninjured and went back out to improve his personal best soon after the quick off.

Come back for more when Practice kicks off at 15:00 local time (UTC +2).

MotoGP FP1 German GP results!

1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racebike: When A City Celebrated

Michael Gougis

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July 9, 2026

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1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racebike: When A City Celebrated

by Michael Gougis

Mystique, personality, image – these are things that public relations agents, influencers and consultants spend much of their time manufacturing. But something that is real, something authentic, well, that grows organically, over time, into something that doesn’t just grab attention – it resonates.

And this is part of the attraction of the 1972 Ducati 750 Imola factory racebike, set to be offered for public sale for what is said to be the first time at Mecum Auctions’ Monterey sale on Aug. 15.

Ducati 1 564905 — 1972 Ducati 750 Imola racebike. Photos courtesy Mecum Auctions.

Ducati didn’t go racing – it dove into racing, let it seep into everything the company did. So when Italy, spurred on by the international popularity of the Daytona 200, decided to create a European version of the same race at Imola in 1972, Ducati went all-in to win it. And when they did, a city celebrated, and a legend grew.

ducati bus — The custom Fiat transporter that brought Ducati’s racebikes to the 1972 Imola 200. The motorcycle being auctioned is on this bus.

A batch of seven factory-built racebikes, transported via a custom glass-walled Fiat van, showed up at Imola for the inaugural event. These were powered by a 748cc V-twin with a 10:1 compression ratio, desmodromic valve trains and a bore and stroke of 80mm x 74mm, with a pair of 40mm Dell’Orto carburetors with accelerator pumps. The trellis frame – along with the rest of the machine – was lightened at the factory wherever possible, and when the bikes hit the track, they were putting out a claimed 80 bhp and weighed 292 pounds dry. The bikes were long, with 60 inch wheelbases and 18-inch spoked wheels, but they worked.

In a 2004 interview published at onewheeldrive.net, Paul Smart recalled testing the machine at the Modena circuit immediately after getting off a plane from the U.S. and having his crew tell him that he would be racing on street tires because racing tires wouldn’t last the distance. He rode it and said, “I was really tired and my mood poor, and when I came into the pits I was ready to criticize and rip the bike to bits, but as I came in to the pits I knew something was up. The whole team was jumping up and down, clapping and patting me on the back. It seems I had just broken the world Champion (Giacomo) Agostini’s lap record — on street tires!”

Ducati 2 374464 — Note the safety wiring at the upper shock mount. Photo by Mecum Auctions.

The bike on auction, frame number DM750S751110, is one of two prepared for 1972 Imola winner Smart, according to auction information and documentation prepared by Ducati historian Ian Falloon. Ducati fielded four riders and finished 1-2, with Smart ahead of Bruno Spaggiari, the pair smashing the existing lap records and leaving early leader Giacomo Agostini on an MV Agusta behind before Agostini retired with mechanical problems. Ducati was confident that it would win and didn’t want its riders taking each other out, so Smart and Spaggiari were told that if they finished 1-2, the prize money would be split between them.

The victory was one of those moments historians point to as foundational in building the mystique that is the Ducati of today. After the race, the bikes went back into the glass-sided van, Smart and Spaggiari – exhausted, still in their leathers – went on top of the van, and they toured Bologna in a long victory convoy of horn-honking motorists. Smart recalled that the van stopped at the train station, where it was mobbed by thousands of elated fans and could not move. “We just joined in the party,” Smart says. “It seemed an entire city came out to celebrate this glory for Ducati, Bologna and Italy.”

Ducati 3 474274 — The 750 Imola racebike up for auction is one of three that still has the original sand cast cases. Photo by Mecum Auctions.

Smart’s winning motorcycle is now housed at the Ducati Museum in Bologna, Italy. The motorcycle being offered is believed by Falloon to be the most original surviving example outside of Smart’s winning machine. It is also the first original 1972 Imola 200 factory racer to be publicly offered for sale, Mecum says.

The motorcycle retains numerous original components, including its fairing, fuel tank, seat, tail section, and one of only three surviving original sand-cast engine cases. According to the documentation, it has never been crashed, altered, or modified. The bike underwent a documented restoration in Germany during the 1990s using original, irreplaceable factory components. Restoration records include photographs, parts inventories, and notes from the professional restorer who completed the work.

Ducati 4 441398 — 748cc, desmodromic valve train, 10:1 compression ratio, 40mm Dell’Orto carburetors and a bunch of safety wire – enough to smash the lap record at Imola. Photo by Mecum Auctions.

Its provenance is further supported by historical photographs, technical documentation, and two authentication reports prepared by Falloon. The motorcycle was displayed at the Ducati Museum in Bologna for three years and previously appeared at the Nürburgring Rennsport Museum during the 1990s.

Also up for auction is a 1974 Ducati 750SS “Green Frame,” one of 401 examples produced. The “Green Frame” editions were produced by the factory to capitalize on its Imola success, and according to Falloon’s assessment, the unrestored motorcycle remains in highly original condition, has had only two owners since new, and is believed to be among approximately 10 surviving examples worldwide preserved to a comparable standard.

Stuman Rides Video: Dynamic Body Position

Mathilde Gasnier

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July 9, 2026

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Stuman Rides Video: Dynamic Body Position

By Stuart Smith:

In this video, I go over some basics of hanging off the bike and how you can move your body to help the bike corner better. The video discusses what some people might call “Bad Body Position” and how you may actually want to use this position in certain circumstances.

MotoGP: M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon at Sachsenring

July 10, 2026

Marc Marquez (93) at Sachsenring. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26 on spec Michelin tires, Marquez turned a lap time of 1:19.394 around the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) track and led the 21-rider field.

Raul Fernandez was the best of the rest with a 1:19.560 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third at 1:19.674 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Alex Marquez finished the session fourth with a 1:19.711 on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Jack Miller was fifth with a lap time of 1:19.841 on his Prima Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1 V4.

MotoGP practice Germany

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Marc Marquez asserts Sachsenring strength with Friday P1. The reigning World Champion fired in a flurry of late laps to give his opposition something to ponder going into Sprint Saturday.

King of the Ring with nine wins and topping Friday Practice, evidence points towards Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) making it a perfect ten this weekend as he fired in a 1’19.394. The #93 was in P1 ahead of Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) clinched third.

FIRST LAPS: Practice ignites in Germany

With the opening laps bagged, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) led the charge ahead of Sachsenring specialist Marc Marquez and brother Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). As the session ticked by, there was an incident involving Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), with the Italian slowing on the racing line and impeding the #37 at Turn 7.

30 MINS ON THE CLOCK: Q2 placings up for grabs, changes aplenty

Into the second half of the session and there were some movements up inside the top ten, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) elevating himself into P9 and then a mighty lap from Cal Crutchlow (CASTROL Honda LCR) to put the Brit into P10. It was short-lived as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) replaced him in tenth. Di Giannantonio, Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Honda HRC Castrol duo Luca Marini and Joan Mir were also all improvers to switch up the top ten, leaving the likes of Acosta and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) out of provisional Q2 slots.

PLENTY OF CHANGE: #93 on a mission, Diggia fast

Less than 15 minutes on the clock, the times flooded in and so did the first 1’19 of the day and there’re no prizes for who set it… Marc Marquez was on a mission but it was matched by Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), the Australian setting an identical time. Then, it was Diggia’s turn as the #49 slammed in a 1’19.674 before Alex Marquez slotted in behind the Italian. Things were heating up nicely for a final roll of the dice with five minutes on the clock.

FRIDAY TOP 10: deciding moments in closing stages

Having been knocked off top spot, the reigning World Champion wasn’t going to have it happen again and he fired in a 1’19.394 to takeover in P1. Fernandez also set a fast time, putting him second, just ahead of Di Giannantonio. Alex Marquez held onto fourth whilst Miller was superb to put him and Yamaha P5 and directly into Q2. The Australian was 0.065s ahead of Dutch GP winner Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) with Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), Acosta and Morbidelli rounding out the top ten.

FACING Q1: Bagnaia misses the cut

A late crash for Bastianini means that the #23 will go into Q2 and is joined by Pecco Bagnaia, who couldn’t get it hooked up for a top ten placing on Friday afternoon. Quartararo, Marini and Mir will also face the Q1 music, with just over a second covering P11 to P21. Two spots up for grabs, no easy pickings as to who will graduate.

MotoGP Practice results from the Sachsenring!

Moto2: Guevara Quickest Friday Afternoon At Sachsenring

July 10, 2026

Izan Guevara (28) at Sachsenring. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Izan Guevara led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:22.260 topping the field of 27 riders.

Ivan Ortola was second-best with a time of 1:22.296 on his QJMOTOR -R.O.M.E.A – MSI Kalex.

David Alonso did a third-fastest 1:22.475 on his CFMOTO Azul Marino Aspar Team Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 11th with a best time of 1:22.916 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Moto2 practice Germany

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Guevara fastest as championship frontrunners set the pace in Germany. The top four in the title race make a quick start to Moto2 proceedings at the Sachsenring, but Vietti is a big name heading for Q1.

A very early new Moto2 Sachsenring lap record from Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2), a 1:22.260, saw the Spaniard set the pace on the opening day of action in Germany, with compatriot Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – R.O.M.E.A – MSI) the #28’s closest challenger. 0.036s split the pair, while Dutch GP winner David Alonso (CFMOTO Azul Marino Aspar Team) completed the top three.

And it’s the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP duo, at the Liqui Moly Grand Prix of Germany, who end Friday in P4 and P5 – Senna Agius finishing one place ahead of teammate and World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez by 0.005s. Job done in terms of Q2 entry, but both will want to see the three-tenth deficit reduce by Saturday afternoon.

The returning Mario Aji (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) did well to gain Q2 promotion in P13, one place behind MotoGP-bound Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Azul Marino Aspar Team), but a big name to miss out on a Friday Q2 spot was Celestino Vietti (MB Conveyors SpeedRS Team). The Italian ended Practice in P18, 0.897s away from Guevara.

Tune into Moto2 qualifying on Saturday afternoon at the Sachsenring at 13:40 local time (UTC +2).

Moto2 German GP Practice results!

WorldSSP: Booth-Amos Quickest In Opening Practice at Donington

July 10, 2026

Tom Booth-Amos (69) at Donington Park. Photo courtesy Triumph.

Tom Booth-Amos was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Donington Park, in England. Riding his PTR Triumph Factory Racing Street Triple 765 RS on Pirelli control tires, the Brit covered the 2.50-mile (4.02 km) road course in 1:29.488, topping the field of 34 riders.

Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:29.490 on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate YZF-R9.

Lucas Mahias was third with a lap time of 1:29.623 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 4th with a 1:29.742 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.

WSSP practice Donington

Moto3: Pratama Is Best Friday Afternoon In Germany

July 10, 2026

Veda Pratama (9) at Sachsenring. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Veda Pratama led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Honda Team Asia machine on Pirelli control tires, the Indonesian rider lapped the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:25.848 topping the field of 25 riders.

Joel Esteban was second-best with a time of 1:25.856 on his Level UP MTA KTM.

Eddie O’Shea did a third-fastest 1:25.883 on his GRYD Racing Honda.

Classification moto3 practice sachsenring

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Pratama P1 in Moto3 Practice, Quiles faces Q1 after fast crash. The Indonesian was in mighty form whilst the Championship leader tumbled.

A strong Friday afternoon sees Indonesian rookie sensation Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) lead the Moto3 charge at the Sachsenring for the 2026 German GP. The #9 led a field that featured 21 riders covered by less than a second whilst there was major news for Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), who suffered a crash at Turn 7 and didn’t set a lap time, thus finding himself in Q1.

There was big drama at the very start of the session as Championship leader Quiles suffered a highside at Turn 7, barrelling through the gravel. Without a timed lap, his session was done as the bike couldn’t be retrieved and repaired in time. The same would happen for the likes of Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) and Adrian Cruces (CIP GreenPower); Pini highsided, collecting Cruces. Like Quiles, they couldn’t get back out on track and they find themselves in a hotly-contested Q1.

Meanwhile, leading the charge, Pratama was in great form and bounced back well from his Assen disappointment to set the fastest lap of the day. He fended off Joel Esteban (LEVELUP-MTA) who took second and Britain’s Eddie O’Shea (GRYD Racing), who was third on Friday for the second consecutive GP. Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) was fourth and just 0.056s whilst Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) capitalised on Quiles not being able to get a lap bagged and was P5.

Outside the top 14, Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was pushed out late on by Rico Salmela’s (Red Bull KTM Tech3) final flying lap, whilst Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) couldn’t squeeze into Q2 automatically. Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), after an encouraging FP1, likewise struggled to convert it in the afternoon and was just 18^th. Having missed Friday due to illness, David Almansa (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) will also be in Q2 should he take to the track on Saturday morning.

Moto3 Practice results from the Sachsenring!

Moto3: Carpe Quickest In Opening Practice At Sachsenring

July 10, 2026

Alvaro Carpe (83) at Le Mans. Photo courtesy KTM Ajo.

Alvaro Carpe was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:25.996, topping the field of 25 riders.

Valentin Perrone was the best of the rest with a 1:26.184 on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine.

Guido Pini was third with a lap time of 1:26.209 on his Leopard Racing Honda.

Moto3 FP1 Germany

Moto2: Gonzalez Fastest In Opening Practice In Germany

July 10, 2026

Manuel Gonzalez (18) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:22.483, topping the field of 27 riders.

Tony Arbolino was the best of the rest with a 1:22.648 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex.

Gonzalez’s teammate, Senna Agius was third with a lap time of 1:22.695.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 14th with a 1:23.538 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Moto2 FP1 Germany

WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Donington Park

July 10, 2026

Nicolo Bulega (11) at Donington Park. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Nicolo Bulega was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Donington Park Circuit, in England. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.50-mile (4.02 km) track, the Italian recorded a 1:25.870 to lead the field of 23 riders.

His teammate, Iker Lecuona, was the best of the rest with a 1:25.955.

Sam Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:26.026 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 8th with a 1:26.324 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

WSBK FP1 Donington

More from a press release issued by WSBK:

Bulega pips Lecuona by less than a tenth in FP1 at Donington, Sam Lowes rounds out the top three. It was a Ducati 1-2-3 in the opening session of the weekend as WorldSBK’s UK Round kicked off with FP1.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) started his MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship weekend at Donington Park in the perfect fashion as he claimed first place in Free Practice 1. The Championship leader topped the times at the Prosecco DOC UK Round by less than a tenth ahead of teammate Iker Lecuona, while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) started his home round with a place in the top three.

Despite being a track that Ducati have had less success at than others on the calendar, the Bologna-based manufacturer started the weekend off with a 1-2 in Free Practice 1, headed by Bulega. ‘Bulegas’ set a 1’25.870s as he claimed top spot on the timesheets, just 0.085s ahead of teammate Lecuona. It’s going to be an emotional weekend for Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) following the sad passing of team founder Marc van der Straten last weekend, with the #14 wearing a black helmet in FP1 and removing the traditional orange border from his number. He finished in third place after posting a 1’26.026, just 0.156s away from Bulega.

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was directly behind his twin brother as he finished in fourth after setting a 1’26.102s, with Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) putting in a late lap to move into the top five. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) missed the first part of the session as the team worked on an exhaust valve issue, but he was able to claim P6 with a 1’26.360s.

Montella’s teammate, Alvaro Bautista, had a strong start to the weekend as he claimed seventh in Free Practice 1, posting a 1’26.298s as he lapped 0.428s away from Bulega and less than a tenth away from Montella. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) finished in eighth, less than half-a-second away from P1, with wildcard Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) in ninth; the #65 was the highest-placed Honda rider in FP1. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) rounded out the top ten with a late 1’26.653s.

Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) returned to WorldSBK action but completed just six laps in FP1 after he crashed at Turn 8. The #96 tucked the front of his Honda CBR1000RR-R SP machine at Coppice, ending his session early.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’25.870s
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.085s
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.156s
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.232s
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.324s
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.360s

Watch more WorldSBK action from 15:00 Local Time (UTC+1) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now half price!

MotoGP: Fernandez Heads FP1 In Germany

July 10, 2026

Raul Fernandez (25) at Brno. Photo courtesy Trackhouse Team.

Raul Fernandez topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Michelin-shod SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26, the Spaniard turned a lap of 1:20.829 around the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) track and led the 21-rider field.

Marc Marquez was second-best with a 1:20.880 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was third with a lap of 1:20.936 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

Classification Motogp FP1 Germany

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Fernandez pips Marc Marquez to Friday morning top spot in Germany. The SuperFile Trackhouse star ends FP1 in P1 as the reigning Champion and King of the Sachsenring endures a small crash at the start of the weekend.

After pocketing a double podium last time out at ‘The Cathedral of Speed’, Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) made a rapid start to the Liqui Moly Grand Prix of Germany by finishing P1 in MotoGP FP1 with a 1:20.829. The Spaniard finished 0.051s clear of compatriot Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who, despite a crash, ended the session in a close second ahead of third place Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).

It wasn’t the start of the weekend Marc Marquez, aka ‘King of the Sachsenring’, would have been hoping for after the reigning World Champion crashed at Turn 3 with 40 minutes left on the clock. It was a simple enough front-end tip-off that didn’t cause the #93 any problems, with Marquez venturing back out with 31 minutes to go.

Fernandez pipped Marc Marquez to P1 towards the end of the session, as Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) rounded out a top five covered by just 0.171s at the Sachsenring. Close.

World Championship leader Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) had a quiet session in P10, while teammate Marco Bezzecchi was back on track and finished a couple of places higher in P8 following his bruising Assen crash. Elsewhere, Dutch GP winner Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) will no doubt be climbing the pecking order as we go deeper into the weekend – the Japanese star was P18 in FP1.

Another crasher at Turn 3 was Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), with a bump near the second apex clearly causing trouble for some of the world’s best. And speaking of, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) also slid into the gravel in FP1 – but ‘Top Gun’ crashed at the rapid Turn 11 right-hander. Thankfully, the Spaniard was uninjured and went back out to improve his personal best soon after the quick off.

Come back for more when Practice kicks off at 15:00 local time (UTC +2).

MotoGP FP1 German GP results!

1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racebike: When A City Celebrated

July 9, 2026

Ducati 5 654255 — 1972 Ducati 750 Imola factory racebike. Photo by Mecum Auctions.