Watch MotoGP San Marino GP — 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, riders must quickly find their setup to secure a direct spot in Saturday's second qualifying session (Q2) and gain an early advantage on a highly technical track. With the championship battle intensifying, maximizing track time during Friday's practice is vital for establishing momentum and refining race pace.

Form Guide

Heading into Misano, the battle at the front of the grid remains incredibly tight, with the leading factory machines showing consistent speed across various layouts. Recent rounds have highlighted a fierce rivalry among the top tier of riders, where minor setup adjustments have made the difference between podium finishes and missing out on the top five. The smooth surface and tight, flowing corners of the San Marino circuit typically favor riders who excel in late braking and high corner speed.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian rider considers this a home race and has historically shown immense speed and consistency around the Misano layout.
• Jorge Martin — Known for his explosive single-lap pace, he will be looking to top the timing sheets early to assert his dominance in the championship fight.
• Marc Marquez — A master of adapting to changing track conditions, his aggressive riding style makes him a constant threat for the top spots in practice.

Prediction

Expect the factory Ducati riders to dominate the timesheets during these opening practice sessions, utilizing their extensive data and strong baseline setups for this circuit. Francesco Bagnaia is predicted to lead the combined standings by the end of Friday's sessions, closely followed by Jorge Martin. Their familiarity with the track's nuances should give them a slight edge over the rest of the field as teams focus on race simulations.