Watch San Marino Grand Prix — MotoGP Practice Free.

What's at Stake

The opening practice sessions at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli set the tone for a crucial weekend in the MotoGP World Championship. As the paddock arrives in San Marino, securing a direct spot in Q2 during Friday's practice is vital for title contenders looking to optimize their grid positions and avoid the unpredictable Q1 shootout. With the championship battle intensifying, mastering this technical, high-grip circuit from the very first run is essential for building momentum.

Form Guide

Heading into Misano, the battle at the front of the grid remains highly competitive, with Ducati riders traditionally dominating this venue. Recent races have shown a fierce rivalry between the reigning champion and his closest title rivals, who have traded victories and podium finishes over the summer. While Ducati holds the historical advantage on this layout, recent setup breakthroughs from rival manufacturers suggest that the gap at the top of the timesheets will be closer than ever.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian powerhouse considers Misano his home turf and consistently sets the benchmark pace around this circuit.
• Jorge Martin — Known for his explosive single-lap speed, the Spaniard will look to lay down an early marker and disrupt his rivals' rhythm.
• Marc Marquez — A master of adapting to changing track conditions, his aggressive riding style could unlock crucial lap time in the technical sectors.

Prediction

Expect Ducati to assert its dominance early in the session, with Francesco Bagnaia topping the timesheets by a narrow margin. The Italian's deep familiarity with the Misano circuit should give him the edge in fine-tuning his setup during the opening runs. He is predicted to lead the pack into the afternoon session, closely followed by Jorge Martin and a surging Marc Marquez.