There were promising signs for Sunday’s MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing as Pedro Acosta fought his way to sixth in the Sprint at Misano.
The Spaniard was disappointed to qualify seventh on the grid, but an aggressive opening lap saw him move up to fifth as he battled with the Gresini Ducati riders Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer.
Acosta ultimately finished sixth, gaining one position from his qualifying result and putting himself in contention for a strong result in Sunday’s 27-lap MotoGP race.
It was a more difficult Sprint for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team-mate Brad Binder. The South African qualified 19th before fighting his way up to 14th in a typically all-action performance.
Marc Marquez beats Bezzecchi in Misano MotoGP Sprint
Marc Marquez claimed a tense victory at his team’s home race to gain further ground in the MotoGP World Championship battle.
Starting second on the grid behind rival Marco Bezzecchi, the reigning MotoGP World Champion took the lead with a tough overtake at Turn 1 and quickly established control of the 13-lap Sprint.
After Marquez and Bezzecchi could not be separated during Friday’s action, a close battle was expected at the front. However, Marquez soon opened up a one-second advantage before Bezzecchi launched a late attack over the closing laps.
The Ducati rider responded by setting the fastest lap of the Sprint on the penultimate lap to keep Aprilia Racing star Bezzecchi at bay and secure another important victory in the 2026 MotoGP championship fight.
For Bezzecchi, second place was still his best MotoGP Sprint result of the 2026 season. The Italian will now be hoping to go one better when he takes on Marquez over the full race distance on Sunday.
Jorge Martin completes MotoGP Sprint podium
There was further joy for Aprilia Racing as championship leader Jorge Martin secured third place in the MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix Sprint.
Martin qualified fifth but quickly moved forward, passing Alex Marquez before reeling in Fabio Di Giannantonio for the final podium position on lap six.
The result marked Martin’s sixth MotoGP Sprint podium of the 2026 season and ensured the championship leader remained firmly in the fight at the front heading into Sunday’s Grand Prix.
