Watch San Marino MotoGP — Qualifying Free.

What's at Stake

Securing a front-row start at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is critical, as the tight and twisty nature of the track makes overtaking exceptionally difficult during the races. With the championship battle entering its crucial final third, qualifying on the front row provides a massive advantage for both the Sprint and the main Grand Prix. Riders must successfully navigate the high-stakes Q1 and Q2 sessions to secure their spots on the starting grid and keep their title hopes alive.

Form Guide

Heading into the San Marino weekend, the battle at the front of the grid remains incredibly tight, with Ducati's top riders consistently setting the benchmark in recent qualifying sessions. The local Italian contingent and those familiar with the Misano layout from extensive testing usually hold a distinct advantage here. Momentum is key, and the riders who have shown superior single-lap pace and immediate adaptability to changing track grip levels in Friday practice will hold the upper hand.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian powerhouse considers Misano his home turf and has a formidable record of securing pole positions and race wins in front of his passionate local crowd.
• Jorge Martín — Renowned as one of the most explosive qualifiers on the grid, his ability to extract absolute maximum grip on a single soft-tyre run makes him a constant threat for the top spot.
• Marc Márquez — A master of adapting to tricky track conditions, his aggressive riding style and historic success at Misano make him a prime candidate to disrupt the front row.

Prediction

Francesco Bagnaia is predicted to secure pole position in a highly competitive Q2 session, narrowly edging out Jorge Martín. Bagnaia's deep familiarity with the Misano circuit and his ability to stitch together flawless sectors under pressure should give him the fractional advantage needed. Expect the front row to be separated by less than a tenth of a second, setting up an intense weekend of racing.