Watch San Marino MotoGP - Free Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the MotoGP paddock arrives at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the San Marino Grand Prix, Free Practice 1 marks the crucial starting point for riders looking to establish an immediate baseline setup. With the championship battle entering its critical autumn phase, mastering this technical, high-grip track early on is essential for securing a direct route into Q2. Local pride and vital championship points are on the line as the grid looks to challenge the dominant machinery on their home turf.

Form Guide

Heading into Misano, the momentum rests with the front-running Ducati riders who have historically dominated this venue with its mix of fast sweeps and tight braking zones. Recent rounds have shown a highly competitive field, with the title protagonists trading victories and showcasing relentless pace. Meanwhile, rival manufacturers are bringing late-season updates to close the gap, making this opening session a critical test of their latest development parts.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian powerhouse considers Misano his backyard and will look to assert his dominance from the very first lap of Friday morning.
• Jorge Martin — Known for his explosive natural speed, the Spaniard will aim to find an immediate rhythm to pressure his title rivals early in the weekend.
• Marc Marquez — A master of adapting quickly to changing track conditions, he remains a constant threat around the clockwise layout of the San Marino circuit.

Prediction

Expect Francesco Bagnaia to top the timesheets in Free Practice 1, utilizing his extensive experience and data at the Misano circuit to dial in his setup immediately. The session will likely see Ducati lock out the top positions, with tight margins separating the championship contenders as they rubber in the track. This opening stint will set a high-tempo benchmark for the rest of the weekend's proceedings.