The inaugural MotoGP qualifying session at Balaton Park featured unexpected twists and turns, setting the stage for two exciting races. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) claimed pole position with a new lap record, while Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory) crashed, and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) did not advance to Q2. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) impressively made another comeback from Q1 to secure a front-row start.
Q1: A BATTLE AMONG HEAVYWEIGHTS
Similar to the Austrian round, both Aprilia Racing riders, Bezzecchi and reigning champion Jorge Martin, found themselves in Q1 alongside Bagnaia. Bezzecchi, who had moved up a week earlier to take pole in Q2, once again topped the Q1 leaderboard.
Bagnaia briefly held second place before competition intensified, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) overtaking him. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) ultimately secured second, clocking in two tenths behind Bezzecchi. Bagnaia was left in P13, unable to advance, marking the first time he failed to exit Q2 since Indonesia 2023, although he later went on to win that race.
Q2: OPPORTUNITIES MISSED AND COMEBACKS
The drama unfolded quickly. Acosta, who had previously bested Marquez, crashed early in his run, compelling him to rush back to the pits for a chance at pole position. Meanwhile, Marquez set the pace, consistently recording impressive sector times.
After the initial runs, Marquez was in the lead, having set a benchmark time that he later improved upon. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) placed second before Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) pushed Aldeguer down to fourth.
After regrouping, Acosta managed to return for the second runs. Bezzecchi made an impressive move after a brief gravel detour, claiming second place. However, no one could surpass Marquez, who again outperformed himself to widen his lead.
THE GRID
The final lineup features Marquez, Bezzecchi, and Di Giannantonio on the front row. Bastianini claimed a strong fourth position, followed by Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in fifth. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) rounded out the second row in sixth, with Acosta sitting in seventh after his crash. Aldeguer and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) filled out the third row, just ahead of teammate Mir.
