In a thrilling Q2 session at the MotoGP Brazilian Grand Prix, Fabio Di Giannantonio from the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team clinched the pole position, advancing from Q1 despite experiencing a crash during a lap that could have improved his time. His impressive lap of 1:17.410 placed him ahead of Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia Racing, while Marc Marquez of the Ducati Lenovo Team had to settle for third after crashing during his initial run. Fabio Quartararo from Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP also delivered a remarkable performance, qualifying fourth and leading Row 2 in the new V4-powered YZR-M1's second Grand Prix.

Fans can catch the main race of the MotoGP 2026 - Estrella Galicia 0,0 Grand Prix of Brazil - exclusively on Eurosport and Eurosport HD starting at 22:30 Hrs (10:30 PM) on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Qualifying Highlights Q1 Session

The qualifying session began with drama as Luca Marini from Honda HRC Castrol crashed within the first few minutes, fortunately emerging unscathed. Bezzecchi, who also faced a crash in FP2, led the timesheets early in Q1. Despite a runoff later in the session, he maintained his position at the top, recording the fastest lap of the day. Di Giannantonio joined him in the Q2 shootout, showcasing impressive speed.

Q2 Pole Shootout

Q2 saw early drama with Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati sliding out at Turn 9, followed by Championship leader Pedro Acosta from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, who quickly sprinted for the service road and was assisted back by teammate Mika Kallio. Shortly after, Marc Marquez also fell at the same spot.

As the session progressed, Di Giannantonio led the timing screens, closely followed by Marquez. Acosta was in P7, while Bagnaia struggled to set a time after his crash. Bezzecchi threatened the front row, taking second place, just 0.060 seconds behind Di Giannantonio. Jorge Martin from Aprilia Racing managed to secure fourth place despite a crash that ended his session early.

Di Giannantonio improved his time further, but then faced a setback as he slid out, causing yellow flags to be waved. Quartararo, however, was on a strong lap, finishing just 0.151 seconds off pole position.

Final Grid Positions The Front Row

Di Giannantonio's remarkable performance from Q1 secured him pole position, leading Bezzecchi by 0.070 seconds, with Marquez just 0.011 seconds behind to complete the front row. Bezzecchi's Q1 time remains the fastest of the day, while Di Giannantonio's pole is only 0.002 seconds shy of it.

The Chasing Pack

Following the front row, Quartararo leads the second row, closely trailing Marquez by 0.070 seconds and ahead of Martin by 0.069 seconds. Ai Ogura from Trackhouse MotoGP Team qualified in P6. Returning from injury, Fermin Aldeguer from BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP secured P7, just ahead of Alex Marquez in eighth. Acosta, after his crash, will start from P9, aiming to defend his championship lead.

Johann Zarco from CASTROL Honda LCR qualified in P10, while Bagnaia's time of 1:18.122 placed him in P11. Toprak Razgatlioglu will start from P12, having advanced through thanks to his impressive performance with Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP on Friday, only 0.300 seconds behind Bagnaia.

The stage is set for an exhilarating first Tissot Sprint in Brazil, with Acosta looking to advance, Bezzecchi and Marquez side by side, and Di Giannantonio on pole aiming to make a statement.