Di Giannantonio Delivers Again as Texas Qualifying Ends in Penalties and Drama

MotoGP qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas produced speed, controversy and another statement performance from Fabio Di Giannantonio, who secured back-to-back pole positions for the first time in his premier-class career.

Fresh off a strong weekend in Brazil, the VR46 Ducati rider continued his momentum in Austin by setting a new lap record and emerging on top of one of the most unpredictable qualifying sessions of the season.

Credit: MotoGP Press

From the beginning, the session never settled.

Several riders immediately found pace, but it was Joan Mir who stunned the field first. Advancing from Q1, the Honda rider briefly held provisional pole after producing a benchmark lap that raised expectations of an upset result.

That early pace set the stage for a frantic final run.

Meanwhile, drama followed Marc Marquez.

The Ducati rider found himself repeatedly encountering slower riders while attempting flying laps and was forced into avoiding action on more than one occasion. Momentum disappeared and frustration began building across the garage as opportunities slipped away.

Despite the interruptions, Marquez remained a threat heading into the closing minutes.

But others had more to offer.

Marco Bezzecchi looked set to continue his championship form and briefly moved to provisional pole with a fast final effort. The Aprilia rider appeared ready to control another qualifying session and maintain his run at the top of the standings.

Seconds later, Di Giannantonio responded.

Delivering a near-perfect lap around COTA, the Italian crossed the line in record time and took pole position with authority. The result marked consecutive poles and confirmed that his speed across one lap is becoming a serious weapon in 2026.

Credit: MotoGP Press

Pedro Acosta completed the provisional front row and continued his consistent start to the season.

However, the story changed again after the chequered flag.

Bezzecchi received a two-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Grand Prix, promoting Acosta onto the front row and elevating Francesco Bagnaia into the top three positions for race day.

Marquez ultimately finished sixth after abandoning his final attempt, leaving the eight-time COTA polesitter with work to do when the lights go out.

Behind the headline battle, Jorge Martin continued showing pace in Aprilia colours, while Ai Ogura endured a difficult Saturday after crashes disrupted his build-up.

Qualifying may be complete but if COTA has already shown anything, Sunday’s race could be impossible to predict.