Marco Bezzecchi secured pole position for the Aragón MotoGP Sprint at MotorLand Aragón after setting a lap record ahead of Marc Márquez.
The Italian rider became the only competitor during the session to drop below the 1:45.00 mark, stopping the clock at 1:44.962 to claim prime position on the grid despite riding with ongoing knee discomfort.
Bezzecchi had issued a warning during Friday practice before establishing his record pace on Saturday. However, the rider expressed frustration after making a mistake on his final flying lap of qualifying.
Bezzecchi sets benchmark at MotorLand
Marc Márquez attempted to establish dominance early in the session by cutting three tenths of a second off Saturday's fastest time on his first flying lap. Despite Márquez pushing hard, Bezzecchi responded to claim pole position and earn the role of favorite for the Sprint race.
The eight-time world champion admitted he wanted to take pole position but acknowledged that another rider was faster. Márquez explained that he insisted on pushing and was prepared for a save, which eventually came at a slow corner on the circuit.
Márquez described the weekend as positive so far because he felt comfortable on his bike, but confirmed that Bezzecchi held superior race pace and served as the benchmark. Comparing competition in MotoGP to football, Márquez noted that playing well allows a rider to tire less during a race.
Championship strategy and Sprint race schedule
Márquez acknowledged that securing strong points at the Aragón Grand Prix is crucial to stay in the MotoGP title fight with full guarantees. However, the Cervera-born rider emphasized that it was not yet time for desperate measures or an all-or-nothing approach.
While taking risks is a constant aspect of racing, Márquez stated he would not throw everything away. He added that if Bezzecchi remains faster in race conditions, he will aim to make things difficult for his rival without taking unnecessary risks.
The front row of the grid for the Sprint race is completed by Álex Márquez, the younger brother of Marc Márquez, who finished qualifying slightly behind the two main favorites.
MotorLand Aragón is a modern motorsport circuit located in Alcañiz, Spain, famous for hosting Grand Prix events. MotoGP Sprint races award half championship points and take place on Saturday afternoons prior to Sunday's main event.
The MotoGP Sprint race at MotorLand Aragón is scheduled to begin at 15:00 local time on Saturday afternoon, with live television coverage broadcast on DAZN.
