Watch MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix — Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the MotoGP paddock arrives at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, the opening Practice 1 session marks a crucial starting point for riders looking to secure a direct spot in Saturday's Q2 qualifying. With the championship battle intensifying in the latter half of the season, mastering this technical Italian venue early is vital for establishing momentum and finding the optimal setup. For the local Italian riders and manufacturers, performing well in front of the passionate home crowd adds an extra layer of prestige and pressure.

Form Guide

Heading into the San Marino Grand Prix weekend, the battle at the front of the grid remains highly competitive, with Ducati's stable of riders continuing to set the benchmark on European soil. Recent rounds have showcased a tight contest between the reigning champion and his closest title rivals, who have traded victories and podium finishes over the last few race weekends. Meanwhile, rival manufacturers like Aprilia and KTM are eager to build on their recent top-five showings and close the gap to the frontrunners on Misano's high-grip surface.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian star considers Misano his true home turf and will look to assert his dominance from the very first lap of the weekend.
• Jorge Martin — Known for his explosive single-lap pace, the Spaniard will aim to lay down an early marker and challenge his title rivals on their home soil.
• Marc Marquez — With a historically strong record at this circuit, the multi-time world champion remains a constant threat to the podium positions if he can find a comfortable setup early.

Prediction

Expect the Ducati riders to dominate the upper echelons of the timesheets in this opening session, utilizing their extensive data and experience at the Misano circuit. Francesco Bagnaia is predicted to top the Practice 1 standings, narrowly edging out Jorge Martin as he quickly dials in his factory machine for the weekend ahead. The session will likely see very close lap times, with the top ten riders separated by less than half a second by the time the checkered flag waves.