Spielberg (Austria), Aug 16 (NationPress) - Marco Bezzecchi, representing Aprilia Racing, achieved an impressive feat by advancing from Q1 to secure the pole position at the Grand Prix of Austria. This marks his first pole with Aprilia and his initial one since the 2023 Indian Grand Prix on Saturday.

In this thrilling qualifying session, Bezzecchi narrowly edged out his fellow countryman Francesco Bagnaia from the Ducati Lenovo Team, finishing ahead by just a tenth and a half. Alex Marquez from BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP came in later, securing second place, while Marc Marquez, also from Ducati, faced an unfortunate late crash that sidelined him during the crucial moments.

As the Q1 session approached its end, it appeared that both Marco Bezzecchi and reigning champion Jorge Martin would secure their spots in Q2. However, Enea Bastianini of Red Bull KTM Tech3 had other plans, executing a dramatic late lap to claim the top position and relegating Bezzecchi to second, while Luca Marini from Honda HRC Castrol also pushed Martin down, leading Bastianini and Bezzecchi to advance to Q2.

Bezzecchi fought back in Q2 amidst early yellow flags due to a crash involving Johann Zarco from CASTROL Honda LCR, but fortunately, he was unharmed. The next significant moment came from Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, who, despite being fourth at the time, faced a possible technical issue or fuel shortage that forced him to return to the paddock in an unconventional manner.

As Q2 continued, Bagnaia initially set a fast lap, but Bezzecchi was right on his tail, eventually taking the lead. Alex Marquez managed to split the two with a strong performance, but Bastianini faltered in the final sector, finishing fifth. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez's crash left him struggling to regain pace for a top position.

Bezzecchi’s exceptional performance granted him pole for the first time since India in 2023. Alex Marquez, looking to redeem himself after Brno, secured second on the grid but faces a Long Lap penalty. Bagnaia, undefeated at the Red Bull Ring since 2022, starts in third.

Marc Marquez will launch his bid from fourth place, aiming for victory in Spielberg for the first time, while Bastianini takes P5. Rookie Fermin Aldeguer from BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP completes Row 2. Acosta will start seventh, followed by Franco Morbidelli from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and Raul Fernandez of Trackhouse Racing MotoGP, with Joan Mir from Honda HRC Castrol rounding out the top ten.