MotoGP 2026: Trackhouse Aprilia Racing’s Raul Fernandez wins the Italian Grand Prix Sprint

The Sprint Race of the 2026 MotoGP Grand Prix of Italy turned out to be quite an entertainer with Raul Fernandez on the Trackhouse Aprilia putting up a dominant performance and winning the 11-lap race.

Chaotic Opening Lap

Pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi on the factory Aprilia lost ground at the start as he got swallowed by the field in the braking zone while going into turn one at Mugello circuit. Defending world champion Marc Marquez on the factory Ducati made a brilliant launch to snatch the holeshot into turn one. However, his lead was short-lived as Fernandez surged through by turn three, with Jorge Martin on the factory Aprilia quickly following him past. Further behind, rookie Diogo Moreira on the factory Honda also made progress before being displaced by home favourite Fabio Di Giannantonio on the VR46 Ducati, who worked his way into podium contention.

Flawless Fernandez

Meanwhile, Fernandez streaked into the lead with Jorge Martin in hot pursuit. He was riding flawlessly, flowing from corner to corner and maintaining a healthy gap between himself and Martin. As the race progressed, Martin began chopping at the lead, which was down to half a second. Fernandez, however, was firmly in control and held his nerve to win his maiden Sprint in MotoGP.

Di Giannantonio in P3

Fabio Di Giannantonio secured third after a strong recovery through the pack, while championship leader Bezzecchi could only recover to fourth after his sluggish launch from pole. Marquez, making his comeback after injury, completed the top five in an encouraging return. The main race will be held today at 5:30pm IST.