Aprilia made history at the qualifying session of the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix. Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi secured pole position at his home track, Mugello, with a lap time of 1:43.921, achieving something never before seen at the circuit: the first ever 1:43 lap at Mugello. This time surpassed the absolute lap record set last year by Marc Marquez, securing Bezzecchi's place in the record books.
First in history: Aprilia front row lockout.
Aprilia achieved the first-ever front-lock in MotoGP history by placing three of its bikes at the front. Bezzecchi was joined by Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez, who finished second after moving up from Q1 (0.224 seconds), and 2024 world champion Jorge Martin. Achieving this on a track traditionally dominated by Ducati adds to the significance of the result. Marc Marquez, returning from surgery, was the fastest Ducati rider in fourth place, while Fermin Aldeguer and Francesco Bagnaia shared second.
Bezzecchi stated that the lap was very fast, but the overall level of the day was exceptionally high, and he had to push himself to the limit to achieve the perfect lap, adding that he was extremely pleased with the result.
The second record belongs to Martin: 368.6 km/h
The second record of the weekend didn't come from Bezzecchi, but from his teammate. Jorge Martin broke the all-time MotoGP speed record on Saturday's practice session, reaching 368.6 km/h on his Aprilia.
The fastest in history! 🏍️💨 Jorge Martin shattered the MotoGP speed record on the Mugello straight with a speed of 368.6 km/h. #MotoGP #JorgeMartin #FrenYokpic.twitter.com/wyigttVKOF
— Fren Yok (@frenyok46) May 30, 2026
Mugello's approximately 1.1-kilometer straight is known as one of the biggest speed tests on the calendar; therefore, it's no coincidence that the record was set there. So, this weekend, Aprilia achieved both the fastest lap (Bezzecchi) and the highest speed (Martin) under one roof.
The real test is Sunday.
All these records remind us that the real test will be in Sunday's main race. Overtaking is possible in Mugello; however, tire life, high speeds, and the long first corner run can change things. Although Bezzecchi has the cleanest track position for both the Sprint and Grand Prix with pole, Fernandez and Martin also having a lead gives Aprilia a strategic advantage. Sunday's race will show how much qualifying speed translates to race distance.