Ai Ogura secures his first-ever MotoGP pole in Brno, breaking the track record. Marc Márquez starts fifth, while Jorge Martín struggles in qualifying. The sprint and main race promise high tension.
Ai Ogura delivered a standout performance at the MotoGP Czech Grand Prix, clinching his first pole position in the premier class and setting a new track record at Brno. The Japanese rider, representing SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team, became the first from his country to secure a pole since 2020, underlining his rapid progress this season. His pace in practice translated into a dominant Q2 session, where he outpaced rivals and secured the top spot for both the sprint and main race.
The front row will see Ogura joined by Fabio Di Giannantonio and Pecco Bagnaia, while Marco Bezzecchi lines up fourth. Marc Márquez, who recently returned from injury and won in Hungary, will start from fifth after a challenging session. Jorge Martín, despite strong early laps, could only manage tenth, highlighting the fierce competition and unpredictability of this qualifying round.
Throughout Q2, the battle for pole was intense. Márquez had a lap time cancelled for exceeding track limits, forcing him to push harder in the closing minutes. Bezzecchi managed to edge ahead, but Ogura reclaimed the lead with a decisive lap. The session saw multiple tyre changes and strategic gambles, with no clear favourite until the final moments. The top ten featured a mix of established names and emerging talents, reflecting the current depth in the MotoGP field.
Earlier, Q1 determined the last two spots for Q2, with Jorge Martín and Franco Morbidelli advancing. Notable names like Maverick Viñales, Alex Márquez, and Fabio Quartararo missed out, despite close times. The session was marked by slow out-laps that affected tyre performance, leaving little room for error in the final attempts. The competitive nature of the field was evident, as even minor mistakes proved costly for several riders.
In the championship standings, Marco Bezzecchi leads with 180 points, followed by Jorge Martín and Fabio Di Giannantonio. The constructors' table is currently topped by Aprilia, ahead of Ducati and KTM. The Brno circuit remains a key venue, not only for the race but also for post-race testing, as teams prepare for upcoming regulation changes and the introduction of new Pirelli tyres.
Marc Márquez arrives in Brno with renewed confidence after his recent victory, aiming to close the gap in the standings. The Czech track has historically suited him, and he will be looking for back-to-back wins. Meanwhile, the upcoming private test session on Monday will allow manufacturers to continue development work, focusing on both next year's bikes and adapting to new tyre regulations.
The MotoGP Czech Grand Prix weekend continues to deliver surprises and tight battles, with the sprint and main race expected to further shake up the championship. As the season progresses, every qualifying session and race result becomes crucial in the fight for both individual and team honours.
For context, the Brno circuit has long been a staple of the MotoGP calendar, known for its technical layout and unpredictable weather. The introduction of sprint races in recent seasons has added another layer of strategy, often impacting the main race grid and championship momentum. With several Spanish riders in contention and the constructors' battle intensifying, the outcome in Czechia could have significant implications for the remainder of the season.
