Balaton Park Circuit witnessed a masterclass in speed and strategy as Ducati’s Marc Marquez broke the lap record twice to clinch pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Clocking a blistering 1:36.518, Marquez secured his eighth pole of the season, reinforcing his dominance in the championship standings.
Joining him on the front row are Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and VR46 Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio, both of whom surged through Q1 to earn their spots. “It’s a surprise and at the same time, no,” Marquez remarked, acknowledging the unpredictability of the new circuit and the advantage of fresh tyres.
The session wasn’t without setbacks. KTM’s Pedro Acosta, fastest in Friday practice, crashed early and had to switch to a reserve bike, ultimately qualifying seventh. Meanwhile, Marquez’s brother Alex, second in the standings, qualified 11th but will start 14th due to a grid penalty.
The biggest shock came from Francesco Bagnaia, who failed to reach Q2 for the first time this season, qualifying 15th. Ducati manager Davide Tardozzi admitted the team faces a “very, very difficult race” given the circuit’s overtaking challenges.
As the grid lines up for Sunday’s race, all eyes will be on Marquez, whose relentless pace continues to redefine the limits of MotoGP.
