GOIÂNIA, Brazil – Fabio Di Giannantonio of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team delivered a stunning performance to claim pole position for the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Grand Prix of Brazil at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna on Saturday. The Italian rider, mentored by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, will start from the front of the grid on Sunday, although championship hopefuls Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia both experienced challenging qualifying sessions.
The qualifying session was marked by drama, with several riders falling victim to the challenging conditions at the newly-returned Brazilian circuit. Di Giannantonio’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as he progressed through Q1 before securing the top spot in Q2 with a lap time of 1:17.410. This marks a significant moment for the VR46 team and a promising start to the race weekend.
Di Giannantonio’s path to pole wasn’t without its own challenges. He even crashed during a lap that appeared even faster, but his earlier time proved sufficient to secure the coveted starting position. The qualifying results demonstrate the competitive nature of the MotoGP field, where even a small mistake can have significant consequences.
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) will join Di Giannantonio on the front row, qualifying in second place after a strong performance in both Q1 and Q2. Bezzecchi set the fastest time in Q1 with a 1:17.408, carrying that momentum into the pole position shootout. He will be looking to challenge Di Giannantonio for the lead when the race begins.
Rounding out the front row will be Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who ultimately settled for third place after a crash during his first run in Q2. Marquez had initially set the pace in the early stages of Q2 with a time of 1:17.491, but his crash hampered his chances of challenging for pole. Despite the setback, Marquez remains a formidable competitor and will be aiming for a strong race result.
The qualifying session also saw crashes for several other prominent riders. Francesco Bagnaia, Marquez’s teammate, fell at Turn 9 early in Q2, while Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed shortly after. Acosta was able to quickly return to the paddock, assisted by KTM teammate Mika Kallio. These incidents highlight the demanding nature of the Brazilian circuit and the fine line between success and failure in MotoGP.
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) also impressed, securing fourth place on the grid and leading Row 2. What we have is a positive result for Quartararo and the Yamaha team, as they continue to develop the new V4-powered YZR-M1. His performance suggests the Yamaha is making strides in competitiveness.
The race is scheduled to begin on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia, Brazil. For international viewers, the race is expected to start late Sunday evening or early Monday morning, depending on time zone. Fans can expect a thrilling race as the top riders battle for victory on the challenging Brazilian circuit.
The qualifying results also have implications for the championship standings. Acosta, despite his crash, will start from ninth position, while Franco Morbidelli, Di Giannantonio’s teammate, will start from 15th. Every position gained or lost will be crucial as the championship battle intensifies.
MotoGP Brazil 2026 Qualifying Results:
- 1. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing)
- 2. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Factory)
- 3. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo)
- 4. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Yamaha)
The Brazilian Grand Prix promises to be an exciting event, with a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars vying for victory. Di Giannantonio’s pole position sets the stage for a captivating race, and fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the action.
The next checkpoint for MotoGP will be the race itself on Sunday, where the qualifying results will translate into on-track battles. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage of the Brazilian Grand Prix, including race results, analysis, and exclusive interviews.
