Watch San Marino Grand Prix - Practice 1 — MotoGP Free.

What's at Stake

As the MotoGP paddock arrives at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the San Marino Grand Prix, Practice 1 marks a crucial starting point for championship contenders looking to establish an immediate physical and psychological advantage. With the season entering its final third, securing a direct route into Q2 is vital, making every lap of this opening session critical for setting up a successful weekend. For local Italian riders and manufacturers, the pressure is amplified to perform in front of a passionate home crowd.

Form Guide

Heading into Misano, the battle at the front of the grid remains incredibly tight, with the leading factory machines showing dominant pace over recent rounds. Momentum is key on this highly technical, high-grip circuit, where riders who have recently found a strong base setup will look to exploit their current confidence. Past encounters at this venue have favored those with precise corner-entry speed and excellent braking stability, making early adaptation in this first session a strong indicator of weekend success.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The reigning champion always carries immense speed at his home circuit and will look to dominate from the very first run.
• Jorge Martín — Known for his explosive pace, the Spanish rider will aim to disrupt the local favorites by setting the benchmark early in the session.
• Marc Márquez — A master of adapting quickly to track conditions, his ability to find the limit in opening practice makes him a constant threat for the top spots.

Prediction

Expect the factory Ducati riders to set the pace in this opening session, utilizing their extensive data and familiarity with the Misano layout to top the timesheets. Francesco Bagnaia is predicted to lead the session or finish safely within the top three, establishing his authority early on. The session will likely conclude with very tight margins, but the local specialists will ultimately hold the upper hand as the grid dials in their setups.