'Second position will be easier' - Marco Marquez content with P2 in qualifying behind Marco Bezzecchi at Grand Prix San Marino

React to this story

Ducati rider Marc Marquez finished in second spot during Grand Prix San Marino qualifying on Saturday. The Spaniard, just behind Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi, said he was pleased mainly to avoid third spot on the grid.

'They can force it' - Ducati v Aprilia performance comparisons at Grand Prix San Marino

Video credit: TNT Sports

Marquez explained after the session that as long as he got first, second or fourth - but not third - he would have been satisfied, because of the disadvantage he feels third place poses at the first corner.

He explained: "My main target was the front row. My main target was first, second, or fourth, because in third position, you start on the inside, and it's more difficult for the first corner.

"Second position will be easier for our target, which is to finish on the podium in both races. But for the moment, let's see if we can fight. Marco is super fast.

Grand Prix San Marino

Why Hodgson was in ‘a bit of shock’ after Marquez won San Marino Sprint

6 hours ago

"I was over-riding. When you're at the limit you can make some mistakes."

Bezzecchi, who went quickest with a time of 1:29.982, had been expected to put on a strong showing at Misano due to his extensive knowledge of the track over the years, and he did not disappoint.

Both he and Ducati’s world champion Marquez had gone toe-to-toe for much of the weekend so far as the two quickest riders on the track, but it was the Italian who proved the better of the two when it mattered most in the morning session.

'He forgot!' - Sparks fly after Marini error at Grand Prix San Marino Practice

Video credit: TNT Sports

As a result, Bezzecchi will start from the front of the grid for Saturday’s Sprint race and Sunday’s full-length event, both shown live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.

Marquez will be leaning on his expertise when it comes to getting a strong start to attempt to leapfrog his title rival early on when the lights turn green in both races.

Another Ducati rider, satellite team Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer, was third quickest to grab the final place on the front row.

Aldeguer’s compatriot and team-mate, and Marquez’s younger brother, Alex Marquez, could only manage ninth quickest, disappointing after such a strong showing at the track last year.

The younger Marquez sibling crashed twice in the morning as he continued to struggle with conditions and his bike.

There was another Ducati, this time from VR46 Pertamina, in fourth, with Fabio Di Giannantonio keeping his own title ambitions alive with a decent enough performance ahead of the weekend’s two races.

Former world champion Jorge Martin was fifth on his Aprilia, suggesting he is vulnerable to losing his place at the top of the standings this weekend in San Marino as Bezzecchi and Marquez both look far stronger so far.

Honda’s Luca Marini has done well so far this weekend and he finished sixth quickest, on the second row.

Next is KTM’s Pedro Acosta, who continues to outperform on one of the weaker bikes of the campaign, ahead of his move to Ducati to be Marquez’s partner next season.

The second VR46 Pertamina, Frankie Morbelli, was eighth fastest, and Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse was 10th.

There was positive news for two veterans in the final two spots of the session.

Johann Zarco continued his return from serious injury with 11th spot, and Pol Espargaro was 12th as he continued his excellent stand-in performances for KTM as Maverick Vinales recovers from a long-term shoulder injury.

Francesco Bagnaia's struggles continued with a 14th-place showing as he failed to get out of Q1.

Martin currently sits atop the standings on 256 points, trailed by Marquez on 237. Bezzecchi is in third on 232, with Di Giannantonio on 208 in fourth. Trackhouse's Ai Ogura, still absent with a hand injury, has slipped to fifth on 203.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android

Watch and stream every race of the 2026 MotoGP season live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.

Grand Prix San Marino

Bezzecchi quickest at Grand Prix San Marino Practice, Marc Marquez second

Yesterday at 16:26

Grand Prix San Marino

MotoGP Grand Prix San Marino: Start times, schedule, how to watch and live stream

Yesterday at 14:21