Bezzecchi shatters Silverstone record as Márquez concedes title favoritism

Bezzecchi shatters Silverstone record on return from injury

Marco Bezzecchi returned from left collarbone surgery to obliterate the Silverstone circuit record on the opening day of the British Grand Prix, lowering Fabio Quartararo's 2025 benchmark of 1:57.233 by nearly a full second to a 1:56.280 in Friday afternoon practice. The Italian, who won the long race at the same circuit last year, had warned at Thursday's media day that he was not at 100 percent following the fracture sustained before the summer break. Aprilia machines filled four of the top five positions in the afternoon session, with Bezzecchi ahead of Raúl Fernández, Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura. Only Di Giannantonio broke the Aprilia monopoly of the top five. The Márquez brothers, Marc and Álex, sat sixth and seventh.

Marc Márquez targets top five, not podium

Marc Márquez struck a cautious tone after the first day, acknowledging that a podium remains out of reach and that a consistent top-five finish is the immediate goal. The Ducati rider tested the aerodynamic package in FP1 before running without it in FP2, searching for the right balance.

At the moment, we are far from the podium, closer to the Top 5, but still not there. We need to keep working to enter that group.

Álex Márquez was the fastest rider in the morning session, showing the form he had before his crash at Montmeló. Marc followed his brother during practice hoping to learn from his pace but lost time in the attempt. Marc also skipped a promotional event in London before the race weekend, saying that spending six hours there would not have been ideal for his physical condition or performance.

Márquez declares himself title favorite for the first time

For the first time this season, Marc Márquez openly acknowledged he is the favorite for the 2026 MotoGP title. The seven-time champion identified Jorge Martín and Ai Ogura as his chief rivals, with Marco Bezzecchi a possible contender depending on his recovery from the collarbone fracture.

Of the five of us who are fighting, if you ask them, they will say the favorite is Márquez, because it is easier not to have the pressure than to have it.

He added that winning another title would not change his life, but it would for the three rivals who have never won a MotoGP championship, and that they would surely put in great effort and desire.

Martín leads the standings but questions why

Jorge Martín heads the championship standings but expressed bewilderment at his position before the British Grand Prix.

It's absurd. I don't even understand myself why I'm leading the championship.

The Aprilia rider attributed his lead to consistently finishing races and scoring points rather than outright speed, saying his performance dropped after Barcelona when the team lost direction and changed the bike too much. Martín said he did not know how many points he has or who sits second in the standings, and described his current rivals as stronger than him. He plans to return to the standard Aprilia base setup for the second half of the season.

Barros warns Márquez about 2027 teammate Acosta

Former Honda rider Alex Barros warned that Marc Márquez will face a serious challenge when Pedro Acosta joins Ducati as his teammate in 2027. Barros told Motosan that Márquez's current, less risky riding style will not be enough against a hungry Acosta.

The way he rides today will not be able to beat Pedro. He will have to risk more.

Barros added that Márquez's only advantage over Acosta at present is experience and resilience, calling Acosta the Márquez of 20 years and a very strong candidate for next year.