Watch MotoGP San Marino GP — Practice Free.

What's at Stake

The opening practice sessions at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli are crucial for riders to establish their baseline setups for the San Marino Grand Prix. As the championship battle intensifies in the latter half of the season, securing a direct spot in the second qualifying session (Q2) during Friday's practice is vital for grid positioning. With the tight, technical nature of the Italian circuit offering few overtaking opportunities, finding immediate pace in these initial runs can define a rider's entire weekend.

Form Guide

Heading into Misano, the battle at the front of the grid remains highly competitive, with the leading factory machines showing dominant pace over recent rounds. The Italian contingent and local manufacturers traditionally hold a strong track record at this venue, drawing on extensive testing data and passionate home support. Recent races have highlighted the importance of tire conservation and late-race pace, making the data gathered during these early practice stints essential for sustaining momentum.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian favorite always carries immense speed at his home track and will look to set the benchmark pace from the very first lap.
• Jorge Martín — Known for his explosive single-lap speed, the Spaniard is a constant threat to top the Friday timesheets and secure an easy passage to Q2.
• Marc Márquez — A master of adapting quickly to changing track conditions, his ability to find the limit early in practice sessions makes him a key contender to watch.

Prediction

Expect the factory Ducati riders to dominate the top of the timesheets during these opening sessions, utilizing their extensive historical data at Misano. Francesco Bagnaia is predicted to lead the combined practice standings by a narrow margin, closely pushed by Jorge Martín. The session will likely see incredibly tight gaps, with less than half a second separating the top ten riders as they secure their automatic Q2 spots.