Watch MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix — Qualifying Free.

What's at Stake

The battle for pole position at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is critical for shaping the outcome of the San Marino Grand Prix weekend. With qualifying determining the starting grid for both Saturday's high-speed Sprint and Sunday's main race, securing a front-row spot is essential on a tight, technical track where overtaking can be highly challenging. As the championship fight intensifies, the premium on qualifying performance has never been higher for the title contenders.

Form Guide

Heading into the San Marino weekend, the momentum is carrying the field's top riders through a highly competitive stretch of the European calendar. Ducati machinery has historically dominated the smooth, high-grip asphalt of Misano, with local Italian riders and established factory stars consistently setting the benchmark pace. Recent rounds have shown that qualifying margins are razor-thin, meaning any minor setup error during Friday's practice sessions could relegate a top contender to the pressure cooker of Q1.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian powerhouse considers Misano his home turf and consistently excels in extracting maximum single-lap pace in front of his passionate crowd.
• Jorge Martin — Renowned as one of the grid's premier qualifying specialists, his explosive riding style and late-braking capability make him a constant threat for the top spot.
• Marc Marquez — A master of finding grip in tricky conditions, his exceptional track record at Misano makes him a formidable threat to the established front-runners.

Prediction

Expect a fierce battle for pole position that will likely come down to the final seconds of the Q2 session. Francesco Bagnaia is predicted to secure pole position, utilizing his deep familiarity with the Misano layout and the supreme stability of his factory Ducati. His ability to string together perfect sectors under pressure should edge out Jorge Martin in a thrilling, fraction-of-a-second finish.