The MotoGP world was treated to a thrilling Friday practice session in Portimao, Portugal, with a nail-biting battle for the top spot. Alex Marquez, the rollercoaster rider, set the pace early on, but it wasn’t going to be a smooth ride to the finish.
In a dramatic turn of events, rookie Pedro Acosta and Francesco Bagnaia gave chase, making it a three-way fight for supremacy. With just 0.088s covering the leading trio, the stage was set for an intense competition. And this is where the plot thickens…
As the session progressed, the weather played its part, with rain threatening to disrupt the riders’ rhythm. But Acosta, unfazed by the conditions, pushed harder and slashed Marquez’s lead. The KTM rider then struck back, reclaiming the top position with a stunning lap. But the drama didn’t end there!
With improvements across the board, the order was constantly shifting. Marco Bezzecchi, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Joan Mir, and Fabio Quartararo all made their moves, but it was Marquez who delivered the killer blow with the first 1:37 of the weekend, eight minutes from the end.
As the session drew to a close, the battle for automatic Q2 spots intensified. Quartararo, Marini, and Bagnaia all scrambled to improve their positions, but it was a game of musical chairs. And here’s where it gets controversial: Bagnaia, despite his efforts, couldn’t quite catch Marquez, leaving the audience wondering if he had more to give.
The top 10 was a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with Bezzecchi and Mir rounding out the top five. Honda’s Johann Zarco and Di Giannantonio impressed, while rookie Fermin Aldeguer and the consistent Pol Espargaro secured their Q2 spots. Ai Ogura, the rookie sensation, continued his strong form, earning a Friday entry for the fourth time this season.
With such a close field, Saturday’s Tissot Sprint promises to be a spectacle. Will Marquez hold on to his lead, or will Acosta or Bagnaia snatch victory? The stage is set for a thrilling showdown. But who do you think will come out on top? Share your predictions in the comments below!