Marco Bezzecchi Leads Dutch MotoGP Friday Practice

Marco Bezzecchi led the opening practice for the 2026 Dutch MotoGP at Assen. The Italian MotoGP title leader finished ahead of future Aprilia team-mate Pecco Bagnaia.

Marco Bezzecchi's performance came after he was banned from last Sunday's Czech Grand Prix. He slapped a marshal, resulting in his suspension.

The incident did not seem to affect Bezzecchi's focus, as he led the practice session. His current team-mate Jorge Martin was third, ahead of VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio.

Bezzecchi starts this weekend just eight points ahead of team-mate Jorge Martin. Fabio di Giannantonio is now 23 points from Bezzecchi, with reigning champion Marc Marquez admitting he's back in the title fight.

Marc Marquez crashed at the final chicane halfway through the session. He eventually got his damaged bike back to the pits and finished tenth.

The Dutch MotoGP at Assen is the first race since MotoGP's early ban on the use of front holeshot devices. A new grid format, with bigger spacing between the rows, will be introduced from the next round at Sachsenring.

Test rider Augusto Fernandez is making a wildcard entry for Yamaha, and debuting a new aero package. Alex Marquez, who withdrew from Brno after qualifying, will attempt another MotoGP return from collarbone and vertebra injuries.

Johann Zarco remains absent due to knee ligament injuries at the same event. The Frenchman is again replaced at LCR by Cal Crutchlow, standing in for a fourth event. Bezzecchi's lead in the practice session is a positive sign for his title hopes, but the competition is fierce, and he will need to maintain his focus to stay ahead.