Victory on home soil is always special, and Marco Bezzecchi made this one count in emphatic style. The Italian converted his Mugello pole position into a memorable Grand Prix victory, leading an Aprilia one-two ahead of teammate Jorge Martin and strengthening his position in the 2026 MotoGP title race.
The weekend had already underlined Aprilia’s pace, with Bezzecchi taking pole ahead of Raul Fernandez and Martin on an all-Aprilia-powered front row. Fernandez, who went on to win Saturday’s Sprint, looked set to play a major role again on Sunday, but his race was compromised immediately after running wide at Turn 1 and dropping deep into the field.
At the front, Bezzecchi initially came under pressure from Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia, who surged into the lead on lap 3 and appeared determined to defend Ducati’s home pride at Mugello. But Bezzecchi stayed close, managed the gap, and struck back with 10 laps remaining, reclaiming the lead with a decisive move before pulling clear.
Martin then added to Aprilia’s celebration by hunting down Bagnaia and passing him on lap 16 to move into second place. Bagnaia held on for third after a late challenge from Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura, while Fabio Di Giannantonio and Pedro Acosta completed the top six. Marc Marquez, returning from injury, finished seventh after a steady comeback ride.
For Bezzecchi, the result was more than a home victory. It was a statement win at one of MotoGP’s most iconic venues, and another sign that Aprilia has become a genuine force in the 2026 championship fight. With four wins already this season and a growing points advantage, Bezzecchi leaves Mugello looking increasingly like a serious title contender.
