Marc Márquez emerged as the fastest rider in the opening free practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the eighth round of the 2026 MotoGP season. In the session held early Friday morning (5) at the Balaton Park circuit, the Ducati rider posted his best lap in 1:38.626, beginning the weekend at the front.
The runner-up spot belonged to Raúl Fernández, riding an Aprilia for Trackhouse, who finished 0.169 seconds behind Márquez. Pedro Acosta, on a KTM, claimed third, followed by Fermín Aldeguer, fourth on a Ducati prepared by Gresini. Completing the top five was Fabio Di Giannantonio, aboard a VR46 Ducati.
Francesco Bagnaia, Márquez’s teammate, was sixth, ahead of Ai Ogura, seventh with Trackhouse, the satellite Aprilia team. Luca Marini, on a Honda, was eighth, followed by Marco Bezzecchi, the championship leader and ninth on an Aprilia. Toprak Razgatlıoglu, aboard a Pramac Yamaha, closed the top-10.
Jorge Martín was the notable absence from the top ten. The championship’s runner-up and Aprilia rider finished the session in 12th. Diogo Moreira, the sole Brazilian on the world championship grid, ended the session in 13th aboard an LCR Honda.
From 10:00, the session that closes Friday’s activities at Balaton Park will determine the ten riders who will advance directly to Q2. The MotoGP schedule will continue on Saturday (6), with a free practice at 5:10, qualifying at 5:50, and the Sprint at 10:00. The Hungarian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, starting at 9:00.
