Fernandez Sets New Mandalika Benchmark in Friday MotoGP Practice
Raul Fernandez topped Friday afternoon MotoGP practice at Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. The Trackhouse Aprilia rider posted a 1:28.725, beating Marco Bezzecchi's previous all-time lap record. Bezzecchi was second and Jorge Martin third, with Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez completing the top five.
Raul Fernandez, riding a Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26, set the fastest Friday afternoon practice lap at Indonesia’s Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. His 1:28.725 on spec Michelin tires led all 22 riders and bettered Marco Bezzecchi’s 2025 all-time record of 1:28.832.
Bezzecchi, on the Aprilia Racing RS-GP26, placed second at 1:28.944, with teammate Jorge Martin third at 1:29.206. Pedro Acosta was fourth for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, and Marc Marquez fifth for Lenovo Team Ducati. Bezzecchi had also headed FP1 earlier Friday.
A new Mandalika benchmark could raise interest in the Indonesian round, especially among local fans, media and tourism-related businesses near the circuit. A close top five may keep viewers engaged and give Aprilia, KTM and Ducati supporters talking points. For riders and teams, Friday pace may shape confidence and strategy, though it cannot guarantee race results. The wider social effect is likely modest, mostly within motorsport audiences and the host region’s visitor economy.