FERNANDEZ BREAKS MANDALIKA RECORD TO LEAD APRILIA 1-2-3

Saturday at Mandalika brings final practice, qualifying and the Sprint, with Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez separated by just two points at the top of the championship. Marquez arrives after a perfect double win at Motegi, but Aprilia’s Friday 1-2-3 signals a strong challenge. Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez, rather than Martin or factory team-mate Marco Bezzecchi, led the session. KTM’s Pedro Acosta was best of the rest, followed by reigning champion Marquez.

The weekend also carries echoes of last year’s race, when Bezzecchi and Marquez collided. With Bezzecchi sidelined, rookie Fermin Aldeguer took his first—and so far only—MotoGP victory as Ducati riders struggled with the special heat-resistant rear tyre. Aldeguer’s prospects now face a setback: after two crashes and a technical problem on Friday, he must start qualifying in Q1.