MotoGP Italy: Martin grabs fastest pole in Mugello

Jorge Martin of Pramac continues to showcase his strength by securing the pole position. The Spaniard edged past Francesco Bagnaia by 0.043 seconds. Although the Ducati rider will start from the second position in the sprint, he will be relegated to fifth on the grid on race day due to a three-place grid penalty incurred during Friday’s Free Practice. Maverick Vinales from Aprilia overcame his previous performances at Le Mans and Barcelona to claim the final spot on the podium.

 MotoGP Italy Qualifying: Martin smashes circuit lap record

With Martin consistently delivering a performance worthy of the championship, the Ducati factory team may find it difficult to deny him a seat next season. Only Ducati Corse General Manager, Gigi Dall’Igna will have the answer to that question. Returning to the pole sitter, Martin’s first flying lap in Q2 secured the top spot on the grid.

Known as the Sprint King, Martin had yet another opportunity to increase his lead in the championship and outperform Bagnaia, who does not have the strongest track record in Saturday’s short races. Earlier, it was not an easy feat for Martin, as he was only the 15th fastest in the morning’s second free practice session.

MotoGP Italy Qualifying: Marc Marquez crashes out in Q2

Like Martin, Marc Marquez’s first couple of laps in Q2 were enough to secure fourth position. The good news is that the Spaniard will start from the front row in third position due to Bagnaia’s three-place grid penalty. In the dying session of Q2, the Gresini rider was on a potential record-breaking lap and was set to snatch the pole from Martin after being faster in the first two sections.

Unfortunately, he crashed out on Turn 11. The penalty for Bagnaia is only for the Sunday race, hence, the defending champion will start second in the Sprnt and Marquez in fourth.  

MotoGP Italy Qualifying: Acosta to join Red Bull KTM in 2025

In his debut season, Pedro Acosta has showcased remarkable talent with the Tech 3 team, currently holding sixth place in the rider championship standings. Without wasting any time, the KTM factory team swiftly transferred the 20-year-old from its satellite team, Gas Gas Tech 3.

Starting seventh at Mugello, Acosta has consistently challenged the most prominent names on the track including Marc Marquez throughout the season. His move to the KTM team could spell trouble for Jack Miller, who has experienced a difficult season. Next year, the young Spaniard is set to partner with Brad Binder.