Alex Marquez Tops Both Practices at Portuguese GP

Alex Marquez dominated Friday's practice sessions at the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix, topping both Free Practice One and the afternoon session at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao. The Gresini Ducati rider, who has emerged as a three-time race winner and the series runner-up in 2025, set the pace amid his brother Marc's absence due to a shoulder injury sustained earlier in Indonesia. With the season's penultimate round underway, Marquez's performance signals strong momentum heading into qualifying and the main race on Sunday.

In the morning's Free Practice One, Marquez clocked a best lap of 1 minute, 39.145 seconds, edging Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi by 0.196 seconds. Pramac Yamaha's Jack Miller placed third, followed by LCR Honda's Johann Zarco and KTM stand-in Pol Espargaro, who recovered from an early crash to finish fifth. Factory Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia struggled, ending 17th after tire choice issues hampered braking, while debutant Nicolo Bulega, replacing the injured Marc Marquez, impressed in 14th on the sister GP25 bike.

The afternoon Practice session intensified the competition, with Marquez improving to a leading 1:37.974, just 0.030 seconds ahead...