Watch MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix — Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the MotoGP paddock returns to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the opening Practice 1 session is critical for establishing an immediate baseline setup. With the championship battle entering its crucial flyaway phase, securing a direct route into Q2 is vital for the title contenders looking to avoid any early-weekend setbacks. This session offers the first opportunity to test track grip levels and refine electronics on a circuit that demands high precision and braking stability.

Form Guide

Recent rounds have highlighted a fierce battle at the front of the grid, with Ducati dominating the podium positions and managing a tight intra-brand rivalry. Momentum has swung back and forth between the leading factory riders and the satellite contenders, making consistency in the opening sessions more important than ever. Meanwhile, rival manufacturers are pushing hard with late-season upgrades in an attempt to close the gap on Misano's technical layout.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The reigning champion always carries immense strength on home soil and will look to assert his dominance from the very first lap.
• Jorge Martin — Known for his explosive natural speed, the Spaniard will aim to find his rhythm early to put pressure on his title rivals.
• Marc Marquez — A master of adapting quickly to changing track conditions, his performance in the opening session will reveal his potential for the weekend.

Prediction

Expect the factory Ducati riders to set the benchmark early in this opening session as they utilize their extensive data from previous running at Misano. Francesco Bagnaia is predicted to top the timesheets in Practice 1, closely followed by Jorge Martin, as the title favorites immediately establish their authority. The session will likely conclude with tight margins, highlighting how critical refined setup work will be for the rest of the weekend.