The roar of the wind and the Australian sea spray were not enough to slow down Marco Bezzecchi. The Aprilia Racing rider set a legendary lap during prequalifying for the 2025 MotoGP Australian Grand Prix, setting a new all-time record at the Phillip Island circuit: 1'26.492.
The "Bez" was untouchable this Friday, combining the cornering precision and aerodynamic stability of the RS-GP25 in tricky conditions.
His famous teammate Raul fernandez completed the double Aprilia with the second time, just 0''291 behind the leader. A result that confirms the rise in power of the Noale brand, now capable of competing with Ducati on all terrains.
« The motorcycling is amazing here. Phillip Island gives you wings when everything works! » declared one Bezzecchi visibly euphoric on returning to the pits.
Fabio DiGiannantonio (VR46 Ducati GP25) took a solid third place at 0''420, continuing his good momentum since Mandalika.
Behind him, fabio quartararo lifted the Yamaha YZR-M1 to fourth place, showing a renewed competitiveness of the Iwata manufacturer.
Alex Marquez, on the Ducati Gresini GP24, completes the top 5, demonstrating the clan's consistency Ducati despite the strong winds of Phillip Island.
Rins is reborn, Marini and Pol Espargaró surprise in Australia
alex rins, in form again on the factory Yamaha, achieved an excellent sixth time, just ahead of Luca marini (Honda Castrol HRC), author of a superb performance by placing the RC213V directly in Q2 - a rarity this season for Honda.
Pol Espargaro, called to the rescue at Tech3 KTM replacing Maverick Vinales, impressed by setting the eighth fastest time, the best RC16 driver of the day. A perfectly negotiated express return from the DAZN Spain studios to the Australian track.
Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) settled for ninth, frustrated by a lack of front grip, while Peter Acosta (KTM Factory) completed the top 10 despite a minor crash at Turn 4 early in the session.
Just 0,05 seconds from the top 10, Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Ducati) will have to go through Q1, where serious customers await him: Brad Binder, Jack Miller, Joan Mir, Johann zarco, Miguel Oliveira, Franco Morbidelli (17th at +1''414), Ai Ogura, Lorenzo Savadori, Enea Bastianini (20th at +1''623), Michele Pirro (replacement for Marc Márquez) and the rookie Somkiat Chantra (Honda LCR).
This Friday in Phillip Island, Aprilia struck a major blow: a brilliant double, a circuit record and morale boosted before the qualifying battle.
Behind, ducathe prepares his response, Yamaha regains vigor, and KTM, carried by Espargaró and Acosta, remains in the game.
The die is cast: Q2 promises to be a scorching hot day under the icy skies of Phillip IslandBefore we dive into it, here is the table that summarizes the facts known so far.
|
MotoGP™ Australia, Phillip Island |
2024 |
2025 |
| FP1 | Session cancelled due to rain (See here) | 1'28.281 Jack Miller (See here) |
| Practice | 1'27.770 Marc Marquez (See here) | 1.26.492 Marco Bezzecchi (See here) |
| FP2 | 1'35.325 Marc Marquez (See here) | 1.27.072s Fermin Aldeguer |
| Q1 | 1'29.397 Raul Fernandez (See here) | 1'26.465s Fabio Quartararo |
| Q2 | 1'27.296 Jorge Martin (See here) | (See here) |
| Sprint | Martin, MMarquez, Bastianini (See here) | (See here) |
| Warm Up | 1'27.012 Marc Marquez (See here) | (See here) |
| Course | Marc Marquez, Martin, Bagnaia (See here) | (See here) |
| All time lap record | 1'27.246 Jorge Martin 2023 (See here) | 1.26.465s Fabio Quartararo |
