Aprilia’s downward spiral: World Championship leader Martin too slow, Bezzecchi injured!

Following a very strong qualifying session on Friday, in which all four Aprilia riders made it through to the second qualifying session, the picture was mixed on Saturday. Raul Fernandez, most recently the sprint winner at Assen, was in pole position for much of Q2; although he had to concede to three Ducati riders in the final stages, he remained the top Aprilia rider. Ai Ogura secured sixth place and will therefore also start from the second row.

As in FP2, factory rider Jorge Martin could only manage the ninth-fastest time. The championship leader was almost 0.7 seconds off the fastest time and half a second behind Fernandez. The look on the Madrid-born rider’s face – competing on the RS-GP for the first time – said it all. Jorge Martin is a long way from a straightforward ride to the podium in Germany.

Highsider in Kurve 7: Marco Bezzecchi schlug hart auf

Foto: MotoGP

Things went disastrously for Marco Bezzecchi. Although Bezzecchi initially managed a faster lap than Jorge Martin, ‘Bez’ then crashed out at around 170 km/h in the left-hand downhill Turn 7 due to a highside. After rolling over several times in the gravel, it quickly became apparent that he had sustained an injury. Following an examination at the circuit hospital, it has now been confirmed that Marco Bezzecchi has shattered his left collarbone. According to MotoGP’s chief medical officer, Dr Charte, the injury will require surgery. Bezzecchi will set off for Italy immediately to undergo the operation. Pain – and yet another zero-point finish for the former World Championship ray of sunshine and winner of his home Grand Prix six weeks ago.

This continues Aprilia’s downward spiral. What appeared to be dominance just six weeks ago has turned into a battle for survival at the top. With Bezzecchi sidelined and Ducati rider Fabio Di Giannantonio in third place, within striking distance of the Marquez brothers, the lead in the standings is already under threat. With a 16-point lead in the riders’ championship, Martin heads into the eleventh sprint race of the year. Whether the ‘Martinator’ will leave the Sachsenring as the leader is questionable following a poor qualifying session. It is a foregone conclusion that Ducati will at least draw level in Germany following Bezzecchi’s devastating crash.

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11.07.2026 - 14:25