José Antonio Rueda and Manu González take pole positions in Moto3 and Moto2
José Antonio Rueda and Manu González take pole positions in Moto3 and Moto2*Carlos Checa's exciting lap of honor on his 40th anniversary bike
April 26, 2025. – The Estrella Galicia 0'0 Spanish Grand Prix had an intense and decisive day this Saturday at the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto, marked by excitement on track with an incredible crowd that filled the stands and arenas once again to cheer on their idols. The MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 qualifying sessions, along with the spectacular Sprint event in the premier class, made up a top-level sporting program that left no one indifferent.
The MotoGP day began with an intense Q1, in which Maverick Viñales and Marco Bezzecchi ultimately secured the long-awaited pass to Q2. However, the big surprise of the day came from Fabio Quartararo, who took pole with the fastest lap ever recorded at the Andalusian track, a 1:35.610. The Yamaha rider, who had not achieved that position since the 2022 Indonesian Grand Prix, thus broke a streak of 63 races without a pole and restored hope to the Japanese brand, which continues to make giant strides towards technical improvement. Meanwhile, Marc Márquez secured second place with his teammate Francesco Bagnaia completing the front row and reaffirming the Ducatis' excellent pace. Meanwhile, Álex Márquez, after an outstanding Friday despite the crashes, secured a creditable fourth place on the grid, consolidating his aspirations for the race.
Prior to the Sprint Race, the Circuit experienced one of the most special moments of the weekend with Carlos Checa's lap of honor to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Jerez circuit. The former Spanish rider, one of the few to have achieved victory in the top category of motorcycling, completed a lap of the track aboard a Ducati Panigale V4 S, specially decorated with the circuit's colors and the commemorative logo of this historic celebration. Surrounded by the warmth of the Jerez fans, Checa, deeply involved with the 40th anniversary commissioning, as evidenced by the lap of honor he offered to the fans, relived fond memories at a circuit that has given him so much joy throughout his racing career.
After that, it was time for the MotoGP Sprint race, which offered a truly spectacular performance for the thousands of fans in attendance. The start was marked by an intense duel between polesitter Fabio Quartararo and World Championship leader Marc Márquez. However, in a thrilling overtake at Turn 6 between Marc Márquez and Fabio Quartararo, the Frenchman lost his front wheel, effectively eliminating him from the fight for victory. Álex Márquez, with an impressive pace, put together fast laps aiming to catch his older brother. But Marc, drawing on his experience and composure, managed to open a small gap between the two, allowing him to dominate the race until the very end. The podium, celebrated in front of the iconic Pelousse, was dominated by the Márquez brothers, first and second, accompanied by Pecco Bagnaia in third. An unforgettable celebration that the crowd experienced as if it were a world title.
Marc Márquez
Today wasn't easy due to the temperature fluctuations, but I expected it, and in front of this crowd you always get an extra boost of motivation. Still, I have to keep my emotions in check because tomorrow is the big day.
Alex Márquez
Yesterday wasn't easy, but this crowd is incredible, and racing here is fantastic. I had a good start, but we've accumulated a gap, and I need to be more focused. I hope to be better on the bike and take a step forward tomorrow.
Pecco Bagnaia
Only in Jerez can you find this kind of crowd. I'm delighted to be on the podium, but I have to improve and do a better job in the Sprints, but I'm taking it step by step. We're getting closer and we'll keep working. Tomorrow is a new day and we'll try again.
In Moto3, José Antonio Rueda made it clear once again that he is determined to shine in front of his home crowd. The Sevillian put in a sensational qualifying performance, achieving his first pole of the season with an impressive 1:43.755, almost breaking the track record. Rueda thus secured the best starting position, beating Joel Kelso and David Muñoz, who will be joining him on the front row. With this result, the Andalusian strengthens his hopes of regaining the lead in the World Championship, which is just one point behind Ángel Piqueras, who will start from fourth tomorrow.
The Moto2 qualifying session clearly demonstrated the close competition between the riders, with everything pointing to a thrilling race tomorrow. Manu González took pole position, his fourth of the season, after a weekend in which he demonstrated unbeatable pace. The Madrid-born rider is one of the favorites to fight for victory and strengthen his aspirations in the title battle. Albert Arenas, meanwhile, completed a brilliant session, securing second place on a circuit that seems perfectly suited to his riding style. The tough choice of the day fell to championship leader Arón Canet, who crashed in the closing moments of the session. Despite the setback, the Valencian managed to qualify seventh, from where he will try to make up ground and maintain his championship lead.
After an unforgettable Saturday for Spanish motorcycling, with brilliant performances in all categories, the Jerez-Ángel Nieto Circuit is preparing for another historic day tomorrow. The main MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 races promise thrilling action, with our riders starting from prime positions and aiming for a perfect weekend. The passion of the fans, the unique Jerez atmosphere, and the talent on the track are the ingredients for a Sunday that no motorsports fan can miss.
The day closed with the first race of the weekend for the Red Bull Rookies Cup, where Spanish driver Brian Uriarte took the victory ahead of Malaysian Hakim Danish and Indonesian driver Veda Pratama.
