Sports Racing News

Pol Espargaro admits adapting riding style “out of fear” on KTM at San Marino GP

Pol Espargaro reveals he’s riding KTM’s MotoGP bike “out of fear” while filling in for injured Maverick Vinales at the San Marino GP

https://motorcyclesports.net/pol-espargaro-admits-adapting-riding-style-out-of-fear-on-ktm-at-san-marino-gp/

Luca Marini secures direct Q2 access at Misano, credits track grip for Honda boost

Luca Marini delivered a standout performance on Friday at the Misano MotoGP round, securing direct entry to Q2 with a strong seventh-place lap time, marking his best Friday of the 2026 season. This achievement came ahead of Johann Zarco and mirrored his sole previous Q2 direct qualification at Austin, contrasting with his Balaton efforts where he only advanced after overcoming Q1. The grip of Misano’s asphalt has been pivotal, effectively masking the Honda RCV213’s known shortcomings, as Marini

https://motorcyclesports.net/luca-marini-secures-direct-q2-access-at-misano-credits-track-grip-for-honda-boost/

Fermin Aldeguér’s front wheel failure costs Q2 spot at Misano MotoGP practice

Fermin Aldeguer’s promising pace at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli was abruptly halted by a mechanical issue during the crucial final moments of Friday’s MotoGP practice. The Gresini Racing rider, who had consistently matched the top contenders throughout the day, was on track to secure a direct spot in Q2. However, a sudden front wheel problem forced an emergency bike change, disrupting his last flying lap and relegating him to 13th place in the practice standings. This setback means

https://motorcyclesports.net/fermin-aldeguers-front-wheel-failure-costs-q2-spot-at-misano-motogp-practice/

Álex Márquez matches pace with Marc Márquez and Bezzecchi at Misano GP

Álex Márquez delivered a confident performance on Friday at the San Marino Grand Prix, asserting that he is closing the gap to frontrunners Marc Márquez and Marco Bezzecchi. Despite Misano being a circuit that does not come naturally to him, the Gresini Honda rider ended the day with encouraging pace and optimism for further improvements.

https://motorcyclesports.net/alex-marquez-matches-pace-with-marc-marquez-and-bezzecchi-at-misano-gp/

Toprak Razgatlioglu struggles with soft tires at Misano: “felt like riding a rental bike”

Toprak Razgatlioglu faces a baffling setback at Misano as his Yamaha M1 turns into an unrecognizable machine under soft tyre conditions. The three-time Superbike World Champion, riding for Pramac Racing, expressed deep frustration after Friday’s sessions, describing the experience as if he were “riding a rental bike” rather than his own competitive MotoGP machine.

https://motorcyclesports.net/toprak-razgatlioglu-struggles-with-soft-tires-at-misano-felt-like-riding-a-rental-bike/

Jack Miller blames cold brakes for bizarre out-lap crash at Misano MotoGP practice

Jack Miller’s Misano MotoGP practice session was abruptly halted by a bizarre crash caused by cold brakes, underscoring the challenges facing Pramac Yamaha this weekend. The Australian rider became the first to crash Friday morning, going down at Turn 4 during his out-lap just seconds after FP1 commenced. A close analysis revealed his front wheel locked unexpectedly despite not pushing hard, a result of the brakes rapidly heating from a cold state.

https://motorcyclesports.net/jack-miller-blames-cold-brakes-for-bizarre-out-lap-crash-at-misano-motogp-practice/

Pol Espargaró shocks at Misano with top 9 qualifying on KTM RC16

Pol Espargaró stunned the MotoGP paddock at Misano with a blistering qualifying performance that defied expectations. The KTM test rider and Maverick Viñales’ stand-in for the last three Grands Prix delivered a remarkable lap time, securing direct entry into Q2 with the ninth fastest time of 1:30.674 during the San Marino GP Friday session. This impressive feat came despite Espargaró not anticipating such a rapid lap, highlighting a significant upswing in his pace on the KTM RC16.

https://motorcyclesports.net/pol-espargaro-shocks-at-misano-with-top-9-qualifying-on-ktm-rc16/

Franco Morbidelli handed long lap penalty at Misano MotoGP for slow riding offences

Franco Morbidelli’s Misano MotoGP homecoming has hit turbulence after receiving a long lap penalty for dangerous slow riding during Friday’s practice session. Despite clocking a strong fifth place, the VR46 Ducati rider was penalised for repeatedly impeding Enea Bastianini at Turn 13, an offence that the FIM MotoGP Stewards classified under MGP-SR3 regulations for “dangerous slow riding.” Given Morbidelli’s history of similar offences this season, officials imposed the severe sanction to be serv

https://motorcyclesports.net/franco-morbidelli-handed-long-lap-penalty-at-misano-motogp-for-slow-riding-offences/

Jorge Martín admits cautious approach in San Marino qualifying after injuries

Jorge Martín, the current MotoGP World Championship leader, took a cautious approach during Friday’s qualifying session at the San Marino Grand Prix, narrowly securing a spot in Q2 in tenth place by just 14 thousandths of a second. Unlike his closest title rivals Marc Márquez and Marco Bezzecchi, who immediately showcased blistering pace, Martín’s pursuit of a fast lap was restrained, reflecting the physical and technical challenges he’s confronting this season with Aprilia.

https://motorcyclesports.net/jorge-martin-admits-cautious-approach-in-san-marino-qualifying-after-injuries/

Pedro Acosta praises Pol Espargaró’s breakthrough after solid Misano start

Pedro Acosta kicked off the San Marino Grand Prix weekend at Misano with resilience, overcoming an early crash to deliver a strong performance on Friday. The KTM rider went down in the opening moments of Free Practice 1 at Turn 1 but escaped unscathed physically, quickly regrouping to post competitive lap times.

https://motorcyclesports.net/pedro-acosta-praises-pol-espargaros-breakthrough-after-solid-misano-start/