Ducati’s Bastianini Claims Pole Position at Portuguese MotoGP, Vinales Close Behind

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Enea Bastianini secured his first pole position for Ducati at the Portuguese Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement for the Italian rider. Bastianini’s pole position, his first since the Austrian Grand Prix in July 2022, comes after a period of struggle last season following his transition to Ducati in 2023.

Expressing his joy and satisfaction, Bastianini emphasized the significance of the pole position, particularly as it marks his maiden achievement with Ducati. He credited his team’s efforts and highlighted the improvements made since the previous day’s sessions, underlining that this was just the first step in their journey.

Bastianini’s stellar performance saw him clocking the best time of one minute, 37.706 seconds at the Algarve International Circuit, narrowly edging out Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales and Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin for the pole position.

Vinales, despite facing challenges, showcased his resilience by securing a front-row start alongside Bastianini and Martin. The Aprilia rider spoke of the importance of the adjustments made to his bike, which allowed him to find the right balance and confidence to push harder. With optimism and determination, Vinales expressed his readiness for the race, highlighting the competitive nature of MotoGP and his belief in his chances.

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Meanwhile, defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia faced disappointment as he narrowly missed out on a front-row start, ultimately securing fourth place after being surpassed by Vinales in the closing stages of qualifying.

The qualifying session also saw a noteworthy performance from Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP champion, who overcame an early crash to clinch eighth place. Marquez’s ability to rebound from adversity underscored his resilience and determination as he continues to adjust to his new team at Gresini Racing.

Earlier in the day, Gresini’s Alex Marquez emerged as the top performer in Q1, advancing to Q2 along with GasGas Factory Racing Tech3 rookie Pedro Acosta. Their achievements highlighted the competitive nature of MotoGP, with emerging talents vying for success alongside seasoned veterans.

As anticipation builds for the race, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the Portuguese Grand Prix, with riders poised to showcase their skills and determination in pursuit of victory on the iconic Algarve International Circuit.