Raul Fernandez Secures Top Qualifying Spot in Indonesia
Raul Fernandez secured the top starting position for the MotoGP event at Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. Aboard a Trackhouse Aprilia, he recorded a 1:28.852 lap to head the 22-rider field. Marco Bezzecchi was second and Fabio Di Giannantonio took third.
Fernandez’s fastest qualifying lap at Mandalika was 1:28.852, enough to lead all 22 riders. The Indonesian circuit measures 2.67 miles, or 4.30 kilometers. Bezzecchi followed at 1:28.961 on an Aprilia Racing machine, while Di Giannantonio completed the front row at 1:29.048 for VR46 Ducati.
Row two featured Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin, and Fermin Aldeguer, with times 1:29.118, 1:29.152, and 1:29.232. Earlier in the weekend, Fernandez had set a practice lap record Friday, and Bezzecchi was quickest in Saturday practice before qualifying.
Fernandez’s pole may raise interest in the Indonesian MotoGP round, potentially drawing more local spectators, media attention, and tourism spending to Mandalika. It could also boost visibility for Trackhouse Aprilia and its sponsors, while giving Indonesian fans a memorable qualifying storyline. Riders and teams may feel added pressure or motivation from the close times, though the race outcome remains uncertain.