The stage is set, as the inaugural Indian Grand Prix promises to be an electrifying spectacle. In a nail-biting qualifying session at the Buddh International Circuit, it was Marco Bezzecchi from the VR46 Ducati team who seized pole position, leading a stunning Ducati 1-2-3-4 grid line-up. This thrilling pole position marked Bezzecchi’s third of the season and his first since the British Grand Prix.
Bezzecchi, displaying nerves of steel, edged out Pramac’s Jorge Martin by a mere 0.043 seconds in an intense showdown. The factory Ducatis have been on a tear all weekend, with Bezzecchi consistently topping the timesheets since final practice. This performance showcased Ducati’s unwavering dominance at this iconic circuit.
Reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia, who faced a challenging Friday sessions, managed to find his rhythm when it counted, securing a spot on the front row for the factory Ducati squad. Bagnaia’s determination shone through as he overcame doubts about his braking setup.
However, the factory Hondas weren’t to be overshadowed entirely. Joan Mir and Marc Marquez, both entering Q2 for the first time this season, demonstrated their mettle, securing fifth and sixth positions on the grid, respectively. Marquez, despite a small early crash, rebounded admirably and used Bagnaia as a reference to improve his lap times.
Notably, the VR46 Ducati team showcased its prowess, with Luca Marini claiming the fourth spot on the grid, further solidifying Ducati’s dominance.
Johann Zarco, aboard the second Pramac Ducati, posted a respectable seventh position, while Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo and the Aprilia duo of Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro rounded out the top ten.
In a dramatic turn of events, RNF Aprilia’s Raul Fernandez, who set the pace in Q1, secured the 11th position, narrowly missing out on a spot in the top ten shootout.
The day wasn’t without its share of adversity as Gresini’s Alex Marquez suffered a harrowing crash in Q1, subsequently fracturing three of his ribs. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio missed out on the Q2 cut by a heart-wrenching 0.010 seconds due to yellow flags in Q1, while KTM’s Brad Binder faced a similar fate and could manage no better than 14th on the grid.
As the anticipation builds for the Indian Grand Prix, the Buddh International Circuit is alive with the spirit of MotoGP. With Ducati’s formidable presence at the forefront, Bezzecchi’s pole position sets the stage for a breath-taking race day filled with twists, turns, and unforgettable moments. Strap in, because the first-ever Indian Grand Prix promises to be nothing short of spectacular!