Bezzecchi sets the pace at a scorching Assen Friday
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) is absolutely on fire. After a tough outing in the Czech Republic, he responded in the most emphatic way possible at Assen, leading both sessions on Friday and establishing himself as the rider to beat. It was a scorching day at the circuit, and the intensity on track was just as high, with Raul Fernandez (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) holding firm for second and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) charging to third with a brilliant late effort.
It was a chaotic day for many, however. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) had an incredibly tough outing, suffering two separate crashes and bringing out a red flag after a highside at Turn 11 with three minutes remaining. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was also taken to the medical centre following a crash, and Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) saw his session end with a tumble at Turn 12. Thankfully, all riders were able to walk away, and Alex Marquez secured his spot in Q2 despite the drama.
As the dust settled, the top ten was rounded out by Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team), Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Martin, and Alex Marquez. For those like Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who missed out on the top ten by a razor-thin 0.026s, the pressure is already mounting for Q1.
