MotoGP News: Acosta tops Practice 1 in Barcelona

A fresh set of tires helped Pedro Acosta (pictured) and Johann Zarco get the better of Marc Marquez at the end of opening practice for the Catalan MotoGP at Barcelona.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Marquez was fastest for most of the session, finishing 0.219s behind Acosta on old soft front and medium rear rubber.

While Marquez is seeking to put one hand on the title by extending his 14-race win streak this weekend, teammate Francesco Bagnaia is hoping for confirmation of a big set-up change in Balaton Park.

But the Italian was ahead of only Somkiat Chantra this morning, 1.5s behind Acosta.

Tech3’s Maverick Vinales is attempting a second comeback from a shoulder injury at Sachsenring and was an impressive fourth, on new rubber, this morning.

Alex Marquez joined his brother in staying on used tires, while Luca Marini, Brad Binder, Marco Bezzecchi, Aleix Espargaro benefited from a late tire change.

Vinales’ Tech3 teammate Enea Bastianini was the third rider in the top ten to remain on old rubber.

Newly confirmed 2026 Pramac Yamaha rider Jack Miller was the first faller of the weekend, at the end of the back straight, before rising to eleventh.

LCR rookie Somkiat Chantra, absent since knee ligament injuries after the Dutch round, is also making a return to action this weekend.

HRC test rider Aleix Espargaro – who had to withdraw from a planned Balaton Park appearance at LCR due to a back injury in a cycling accident – has a wild-card entry for his home event.

Espargaro won the 2023 Catalan MotoGP for Aprilia and took a Sprint victory last season.

Aprilia is fielding its test rider Lorenzo Savadori on a fifth RS-GP this weekend.

Catalan MotoGP at Barcelona Practice 1 Results