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In a display of remarkable resilience and skill, Marco Bezzecchi emerged as the leader in the practice session for the Aragon Grand Prix, setting a new all-time track record at MotorLand. This impressive performance comes despite his ongoing recovery from an injury sustained in July. The Aprilia Racing rider’s exceptional pace allowed him to outshine the formidable Marquez brothers, promising a thrilling competitive weekend ahead.

Bezzecchi Sets Blazing Pace in Aragon Practice

On August 28, 2026, at MotorLand Aragon, the MotoGP practice session saw intense competition, culminating in a spectacular performance by Marco Bezzecchi. The factory Aprilia rider, still recuperating from an injury suffered at the Sachsenring in July, delivered a blistering lap of 1m45.455s with only two minutes remaining on the clock. This incredible time dethroned the pre-session favorite, Marc Marquez, who had previously set a new track record of 1m45.493s earlier in the session.

The session began with high energy, as KTM’s Pedro Acosta quickly dipped into the 1m46s range within the first ten minutes, significantly improving upon the first practice’s fastest time of 1m47.532s. Marc Marquez then took control, establishing a half-second lead with a time of 1m46.320s. Despite rivals adopting soft rear tires, Marquez maintained his lead for much of the session, holding a narrow 0.039s advantage over Bezzecchi.

As the session entered its final fifteen minutes, Fermin Aldeguer of Gresini Ducati briefly seized the top spot with a 1m45.909s, pushing Marquez down to fifth. However, Marquez quickly responded by breaking his own 2025 track record, reclaiming the lead. Yet, it was Bezzecchi who ultimately dominated the closing moments, securing the fastest time and leaving the factory Ducati rider unable to counter. Alex Marquez, also on a Gresini Ducati, demonstrated strong form by moving into second place, just 0.010s behind Bezzecchi, with the top three riders separated by a mere 0.038s.

Further down the standings, Fabio di Giannantonio of VR46 claimed fourth, followed by Aldeguer. Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse secured sixth, edging out Jorge Martin of factory Aprilia. KTM’s Acosta finished eighth, and Franco Morbidelli of VR46 ensured a direct entry into Q2 by placing ninth. Johann Zarco of LCR, returning after a three-month injury layoff, impressively broke into the top 10 on his final lap, becoming the fastest Honda rider. Diogo Moreira and Luca Marini, also on Hondas, finished 11th and 12th respectively. Francesco Bagnaia of factory Ducati continued his struggles, finishing 13th, closely followed by Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha in 14th. Jack Miller of Pramac Yamaha was the sole rider to crash during the session, finishing 19th after an incident at Turn 2.

Bezzecchi's ability to achieve such a stellar performance while still recovering from injury underscores his immense talent and determination. This initial practice session hints at a fiercely contested Aragon Grand Prix, where strategy, skill, and sheer grit will determine the ultimate victor.

In a riveting display of speed and skill at the Aragon Grand Prix, Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing Team clinched the top spot in Friday's practice session. Remarkably, he accomplished this feat while still recuperating from an injury sustained at the Sachsenring in July, demonstrating his unwavering determination. Bezzecchi's stellar performance set a new all-time track record, underscoring the fierce competition among the elite riders. The session also saw notable performances from the Marquez brothers, Alex and Marc, who fiercely vied for the leading positions, promising an exhilarating race weekend.

The intensity on the track escalated rapidly as the practice session unfolded. Early on, Pedro Acosta of KTM made a strong statement by breaking into the 1m46s bracket within the initial ten minutes, a significant improvement over the first practice's fastest time. Shortly after, Marc Marquez, the reigning world champion, reset the benchmark with a 1m46.320s, establishing a comfortable lead. He maintained his dominance through the mid-session, despite rivals opting for softer rear tires, staying 0.039s ahead of an increasingly fast Bezzecchi.

As the session neared its conclusion, the battle for supremacy intensified. With only a quarter of an hour remaining, Marc Marquez was temporarily dethroned by Fermin Aldeguer, who, making a comeback, posted an impressive 1m45.909s on his Gresini Ducati. However, Marquez quickly retaliated, shattering his own 2025 Aragon track record to reclaim the lead. The final moments were electrifying, with riders pushing their limits for one last time attack.

In a dramatic finish, Bezzecchi delivered a sensational lap of 1m45.455s with just two minutes left, narrowly surpassing Marquez's time and securing Aprilia's lead. Alex Marquez also made a late charge on his Gresini Ducati, landing in second place, merely 0.010s behind Bezzecchi. The top three riders were separated by an astonishingly small margin of 0.038s, showcasing the razor-thin differences at this level of racing. Following closely, Fabio di Giannantonio of VR46 claimed fourth, with Aldeguer in fifth. Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse, Jorge Martin of Aprilia, and KTM's Acosta secured sixth, seventh, and eighth places, respectively. Franco Morbidelli rounded out the top nine, earning a direct spot in Q2.

A notable returnee, Johann Zarco, made a strong impression after a three-month injury layoff, securing a spot within the top 10 on his final lap. The LCR Honda rider outperformed his teammate Diogo Moreira and factory rider Luca Marini, who finished 11th and 12th. Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia continued to face challenges, finishing 13th, unable to crack the top 10 for the second consecutive weekend. Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 champion, led Yamaha's efforts in 14th. The session's only crash involved Jack Miller of Pramac Yamaha at Turn 2, which relegated him to 19th position.