TNT Sports
Pedro Acosta quickest at Grand Prix Catalunya practice, Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin to start in Q1
By
Updated 15/05/2026 at 16:12 GMT+1
React to this story
KTM rider Pedro Acosta was quickest during practice at Grand Prix Catalunya on Friday afternoon, meaning he goes through to Q2 on Saturday.
'This man has had so many injuries' - Martin recovers after worrying Grand Prix Catalunya crash
Video credit: TNT Sports
Acosta was fastest in the session, ahead of BK8 Gresini’s Alex Marquez, who was the double winner in Catalunya last season. Marquez finished second in last season’s championship but has failed to match that campaign’s form so far.
His older brother, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo), is absent after surgery on a foot and shoulder problem, leaving just Francesco Bagnaia to represent the Italians’ factory team.
The two-time world champion finished 12th, meaning he will have to qualify from Q1.
It represents another poor performance from Bagnaia after he struggled for most of last season, only to give some hope with a sturdy showing at Grand Prix France last weekend, when he was second in the sprint race behind Jorge Martin.
Brad Binder gave KTM a second representative in the top three, while Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse was the fastest Aprilia.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/05/15/image-548d6a23-0ce9-4235-80cc-edc545f85081-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'That gives Trackhouse a bit of work to do!' - Ogura crashes at Grand Prix Catalunya Practice
Video credit: TNT Sports
Johann Zarco of Honda was fifth quickest, while Fabio Di Giannantonio's strong season continued as he was sixth in the standings.
Current world championship leader Marco Bezzecchi was seventh, and two big crashes over the course of the day saw a struggling Martin in 17th overall.
TNT Sports expert Neil Hodgson had suggested that this weekend would be the time when Martin overtakes Bezzecchi at the top of the leaderboard, but it was far from clear whether he would even be competing in practice.
On Friday morning’s Free Practice 1 session, a dazed Martin was pictured being helped away from the gravel after a crash at speed, clutching his shoulder.
He also appeared to be assisted in the paddocks, before returning to his team’s garage fully kitted out once more.
If he is still suffering from pain in what is reportedly a forearm injury, it may explain why he has struggled compared to last weekend’s race at Grand Prix France.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/05/10/image-aefc1429-c0f7-4855-a675-5f68b8ff62bb-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Highlights: Martin completes Grand Prix France double as title race intensifies
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Spaniard is one point behind his team-mate in the race for the title. It was his 10th crash of the season so far, and any worries for the 28-year-old former world champion are exacerbated in the context of his previous season with Aprilia.
He spent the vast majority of the 2025 campaign out with various injuries, and at one point his future with the team was thrown into doubt.
- 'I'm riding with one-and-a-half arms' - Tearful Marquez reveals extent of injury
- Marquez delivers positive surgery update following Le Mans crash
- Martin battles to Grand Prix France victory as Bezzecchi completes Aprilia one-two
While he ultimately stayed with them, he was not able to take part in pre-season testing, meaning the bike had been set up mainly with the input of Bezzecchi, currently his main rival for the 2026 championship.
Honda's Joan Mir, Pramac's Jack Miller, and Fabio Quartararo of Monster Yamaha were eighth, ninth and 10th, respectively.
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream every race of the 2026 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Advertisement
Advertisement